HHS Requests Development Plans for COVID-19 Diagnostics

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) issued a request for development proposals for novel coronavirus diagnostics.

The HHS agency noted that no diagnostic tests for coronavirus infections have been approved. Potential assays and other products selected by BARDA will be helped with funding as well as expertise and core services, the department said.

The government agency also issued a request for diagnostic tests designed for use on already-cleared systems that can feasibly be considered for emergency use authorization within 12 weeks.

The requests followed Congressional approval of an $8.3 billion emergency supplemental bill for dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. The legislation included $3.1 billion for developing diagnostics, vaccines and other medical countermeasures.