A few months after working on the development of COVID-19 antibody tests and obtaining approval from the Food and Drug Administration, researchers from American University and NOWDiagnostics, Inc. announced on Wednesday, June 16 that an active partnership was established to study COVID -19 epidemic situation-U of A related virus antibodies among students, faculty and staff.
The new antibody test was developed and manufactured in Springdale, Arkansas, based in Arkansas-based NOWDiagnostics, and its technology was created with the help of U of A chemical engineers. The registered trademark ADEXUSDx COVID-19 antibody test is a fast-resulting, independent fingertip test that can accurately detect the presence of COVID-19 antibodies within 15 minutes.
In May, NOWDiagnostics received an emergency use authorization from the FDA. The test is also approved for use in Europe. U.S. non-prescription drug use trials are underway.
The campus study using the new antibody test aims to estimate the prevalence of seroprevalence of COVID-19-related antibodies in the U of A campus community and to assess whether the prevalence of antibodies in the U of A population has changed significantly over time. This information can ultimately provide policymakers with decisions that affect the health and welfare of all Arkansas, and assist state leaders responsible for reopening Arkansas businesses and schools.
The study began to recruit volunteer students, faculty and staff in March, with the goal of testing each registrant 3 times over a four-month period.
“This study also completed an in-depth study of the prevalence of COVID-19 among our campus students, faculty and staff communities, which provided us with information about the effectiveness of the pandemic’s public health policy,” said Donald G. Catanzaro, the principal. Say. The researcher and assistant professor of biological science research. “Secondly, it helps NOWDiagnostics understand the performance of its innovative antibody test. Very importantly, this research provides our talented team of undergraduate researchers with clinical research experience. This is really a three-game winning streak.”
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, reliable antibody testing has played a key role in identifying convalescent plasma donors to provide life-saving treatment to those most affected by COVID-19. In addition to this role, antibody testing also provides an important practical tool that can help individuals, healthcare providers, businesses, communities, and governments understand immunity after infection and potential treatments and vaccinations.
Shannon Servoss, associate professor of chemical engineering, is a former member of the NOWDiagnostics ADEXUSDx COVID-19 antibody test development team. He is the co-principal researcher of Cantanzaro campus research, and co-principal researcher and associate professor of industrial engineering Zhang Shengfan.
“The efforts of the University of Arkansas researchers and the NOWDiagnostics team are a good example of a public-private partnership based on a long-term relationship,” said Bob Bettel, professor of chemical engineering and vice president for research and innovation. “U of A faculty and staff are encouraged to look for these connections—especially with companies headquartered in Arkansas—to improve the entire community.”
“NOWDiagnostics benefits from a first-class workforce, mainly from the University of Arkansas. In addition, the company actively cooperates with U of A faculty to promote discovery and improve clinical results,” said Chief Operating Officer Beth Cobb.
About the University of Arkansas: As the flagship institution of Arkansas, U of A provides internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, U of A has contributed more than $2.2 billion to the Arkansas economy by teaching new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, research discoveries, and creative activities, as well as providing professional discipline training. The Carnegie Foundation classifies U of A as the top 3% of American colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. “U.S. News and World Report” ranks U of A as one of the top public universities in the United States. Learn how U of A is working to build a better world in Arkansas Research News.
About NOWDiagnostics Inc.: NOWDiagnostics Inc., headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, is a leader in innovative diagnostic testing. Its trademark ADEXUSDx product line has a laboratory at your fingertips, using a drop of blood to test for various common diseases, diseases and diseases, and get results within minutes. By eliminating the need to send tests to off-site laboratories, NOWDiagnostics products have the potential to reduce the waiting time for determining test results by several days. For more information about NOWDiagnostics, please visit www.nowdx.com. For more information about the ADEXUSDx COVID-19 test, including its intended use, features, benefits, and instructions for use, please visit www.c19development.com. The ADEXUSDx COVID-19 test will be distributed by C19 Development LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOWDiagnostics. The laboratory can contact www.c19development.com/order to place an order.
Hardin Young, Assistant Director of Relations, University of Research and Communication 479-575-6850, hyoung@uark.edu
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Post time: Jun-28-2021