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Co-Diagnostics notes its CoPrimer technology powers coronavirus saliva test now available through Walgreens digital health platform

Last updated: 10:15 25 Feb 2021 EST, First published: 11:30 24 Feb 2021 EST

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First, a saliva sample is collected in a DNA Genotek OMNIgene saliva collection device, then it is tested for the coronavirus using Co-Diagnostics patented CoPrimer technology

Co-Diagnostics Inc (NASDAQ:CODX) has confirmed that its patented CoPrimer technology is part of a coronavirus (COVID-19) saliva test that is now available through Walgreens Find Care, a digital health platform on the retailer’s website and mobile app.

In a statement on Thursday, Dwight Egan, Co-Diagnostics CEO commented: “Co-Diagnostics is proud that our technology will be available on an even more widespread basis following this announcement by our trusted partner CRL, one of the largest privately-held clinical testing laboratories in the U.S. We strongly believe in the importance of providing gold-standard PCR diagnostic solutions to as many people as possible, and at-home collection devices are a critical component to achieving this level of accessibility.”

READ: Co-Diagnostics appoints long-time executive Brian Brown as its new chief financial officer

The company’s COVID-19 RT-PCR test is being sold by Clinical Reference Laboratory under its CRL HealthConfirm brand name for $119 per kit, according to a CRL statement released Wednesday. Using Walgreens Find Care, users can access CRL’s website to see if they meet the guidelines to order the test. 

Once the kit arrives, individuals register their test online, deposit a saliva sample in the collection vial and return it using the prepaid FedEx Priority Overnight shipping package. Results are typically available within 24-48 hours, CRL said, and are delivered via text or voice message. In the event of a positive test, an independent telemedicine provider will reach out. 

In addition to Co-Diagnostics technology, the saliva test also incorporates technology from DNA Genotek. First, a saliva sample is collected in a DNA Genotek OMNIgene saliva collection device, then it’s tested for the coronavirus using Co-Diagnostics patented CoPrimer technology. 

"Increasing access to COVID-19 testing is a priority for Walgreens and CRL's at-home test provides a convenient way to offer testing and care when and how patients need it," Walgreens Boots Alliance Healthcare Services SVP Giovanni Monti said in a statement. "This adds to the growing list of healthcare and COVID offerings available through Walgreens Find Care to help our communities access care when and how they need it."

The CRL test received FDA Emergency Use Authorization in July 2020. The company has distributed and processed more than 500,000 tests across the education, media, finance, government, sports and other sectors.

 -- Adds Co-Diagnostics CEO comment --

Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel

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