Prenetics Acquires Oxsed, Gaining Rapid COVID-19 Test

Hong Kong-based Prenetics has acquired Oxsed Technologies, a UK company that has developed a rapid COVID-19 test based on research at the University of Oxford.

The CE-marked COVID-19 test is currently in use at a rapid testing facility in London’s Heathrow airport for pre-departure passengers. It can use nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs as well as saliva and mouthwash samples.

The test, which uses reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) technology, can deliver results in 15 to 30 minutes.

Prenetics plans to ramp up production of the test for global distribution. Financial terms of the acquisition deal were not disclosed.