Cipla Limited, the Indian pharmaceutical giant, has collaborated with Guangdong Hecin Scientific, Inc., an in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) company with a biosafety level II laboratory of respiratory pathogens, to launch a new RT-PCR test for Covid-19 called ViraGen. This development is significant in the current battle against the pandemic as India is facing a massive surge of cases and demand for testing has increased tenfold.
RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests have been widely recognized as the gold standard for Covid-19 detection due to their high accuracy and sensitivity. However, the high cost and long turnaround time have been major factors in hindering Covid-19 testing efforts worldwide. The introduction of ViraGen, which claims to provide accurate results within three hours, is expected to streamline the testing process and reduce the burden on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.
According to reports, ViraGen is an indigenous test developed by Hecin and has received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Hecin boasts the largest database of respiratory pathogens in China, and their expertise in developing IVD products has been instrumental in bringing ViraGen to the market. The test reportedly has an accuracy rate of over 98%, making it one of the most reliable Covid-19 tests available.
Cipla has stated that the ViraGen test kit will be available at an affordable price range to ensure wider access to testing across the country. Cipla has a strong presence in the Indian pharmaceutical market and has been in the forefront of India's Covid-19 response by providing essential drugs and treatment options. The partnership with Hecin and the launch of ViraGen is expected to further strengthen their position in the fight against Covid-19.
The Indian government has been ramping up its testing capacity to curb the rising number of cases in the country. The current testing strategy focuses on RT-PCR tests, which have been effective but come with certain limitations such as higher cost, longer turnaround time, and reliance on skilled healthcare professionals. Therefore, the introduction of a faster and more affordable test like ViraGen could prove to be a game-changer in the fight against Covid-19.
Dr. Rajeev Sood, Vice President of Cipla's India Business said, "The ViraGen test kit is yet another commitment towards our fight against Covid-19. We remain steadfast in our efforts towards building a robust portfolio of diagnostic solutions that help diagnose and monitor Covid-19 effectively."
The launch of ViraGen comes at a critical juncture in India's Covid-19 fight, with the number of cases rising rapidly in the country. With the availability of a faster and more affordable test, there is hope that testing efforts can be streamlined, enabling faster and more accurate detection of the virus. If ViraGen lives up to its claims, it could potentially help India tackle the Covid-19 crisis and bring the pandemic under control.
In conclusion, the joint efforts of Cipla and Hecin in launching ViraGen are expected to bring a significant impact on India's Covid-19 testing capabilities. With its high accuracy rate, faster turnaround time, and affordability factor, ViraGen could potentially revolutionize Covid-19 testing in India, contributing to the global efforts to combat the pandemic.