FDA to Speed Development of Coronavirus Countermeasures

FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn announced actions the agency is taking to accelerate development of diagnostic tests and treatments for the novel coronavirus.

There are no diagnostics currently cleared for detecting the virus, Hahn said, but he noted that the agency is working hard to simplify their development. The FDA is currently collaborating with its public health partners to improve and share development materials.

Hahn said the agency will distribute information to developers on approval pathways, such as Emergency Use Authorization, which allows the use of unapproved medical products in public health emergencies.