Spartan Bioscience receives Health Canada authorization for rapid COVID-19 test
by CM Staff
Spartan’s RT-PCR test provides on-site results within an hour
PHOTO: Spartan Bioscience
OTTAWA — Spartan Bioscience announced it has received approval from Health Canada and is now authorized to sell the Spartan COVID-19 System, a rapid, on-site molecular diagnostic test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causingCOVID-19.
The Spartan system will be able to provide quality results to remote communities, industries and settings with limited lab access,helping relieve the burden on overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
“We want to thank our government and commercial partners for their patience, and trusting usto create a rapid RT-PCR testing option as part of Canada’s public health response,” said Roger Eacock, Chief Executive Officer of Spartan, in a prepared statement. “Readily deployed, rapid testing systems for COVID-19 are still needed across Canada, and will continue to be needed throughout 2021,even as vaccines begin to roll out. Slowing COVID-19 and re-opening the economy requires more testing, and Spartan is proud that our tests which have been researched, developed, and manufactured right here in Canada are now available.”
During the clinical evaluation completed in Canada and the U.S., Spartan’s rapid on-siteCOVID-19 test was compared to one of the most sensitive lab-based COVID-19 tests on the market. The University of Ottawa Heart Institute was one of the testing locations which played a key role during these studies.
“Accurate PCR-based rapid testing solutions are essential for improving patient outcomes and limiting the spread of disease in our communities,” said Dr. Derek So, Staff Cardiologist and Investigator Clinician at the Ottawa Heart Institute, who is leading astudy to determine the role of point-of-care testing (POC) as a tool to improve care of COVID-19 patients and conserve resources. “This system enables healthcare teams to make important treatment decisions rapidly, precisely, and safely.”
With this authorization, Spartan is establishing a new domestic supply chain for rapid diagnostics that will enable Canadians to respond to current and future outbreaks. Demand for Spartan’s test will, directly and indirectly, create over 250 Canadian jobs. Production of Spartan’s rapid tests has already begun, to ensure prompt delivery to partners across the country.
Shipments will begin immediately to federal and provincial government partners, as well as Spartan’s commercial customers.
