Local Company Says Its New COVID-19 Antigen Tests Can Detect Virus Variants

Image courtesy Innova Medical Group Inc website

A new COVID-19 antigen rapid test made by Pasadena-based Innova Medical Group has been shown to be capable of detecting variants of the virus originating in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil, the company announced Monday.

Innova announced the start of production of its SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test kits last week.

The new test kits “have successfully detected the several mutated strains that have become more widespread around the world in recent weeks,” Innova representatives said in a written statement.

“When coupled with Innova’s expansive production capacity, the wide-ranging detection capabilities of Innova’s rapid antigen tests continue Innova’s importance as a critical partner to nations and businesses alike in containing these more contagious strains,” according to the statement.

Innova Medical Group President and CEO Daniel Elliott said the company was glad to play a role in helping fight the pandemic.

“As these dangerous strains show signs of increased transmissibility across communities, the global effort to eliminate COVID-19 requires frequent, comprehensive and equitable testing that can detect these emerging strains,” Elliott said.

“We’re proud to supply our partners around the world with cost-effective, readily available tests that can successfully detect and track the spread of multiple strains of the virus and ultimately play a major role in assisting the global health community in stamping out this pandemic,” he said.

Innova was cranking out 10 million test kits per day, with a goal of reaching 50 million per day by the end of spring, representatives said.