Corona rapid test from GNA Biosolutions approved

The rapid test of the Bavarian start-up is said to provide a result in less than an hour.

The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has granted special approval to the Corona rapid test developed by the Bavarian start-up GNA Biosolutions, which specialises in molecular diagnostics. The test is said to provide the correct result in 96.7 percent of cases and takes only 40 minutes. Another advantage: According to the manufacturer, decentralized laboratories are sufficient for this test.

Unlike the most commonly used rapid antigen tests, GNA Biosolutions' test is based on the PCR test and therefore provides more accurate results. The start-up uses Pulse Controlled Amplification (PCA®) technology, a new approach to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the global standard for COVID-19 molecular testing.

"In order to make our technology available across Europe, we are aiming for a CE mark in the first quarter of 2021," said CEO and co-founder Dr Federico Buersgens. The start-up from Martinsried near Munich received funding from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs for its development. Now, more than 500,000 tests are to be produced.