Sekisui Diagnostics, a global diagnostics company, announces the launch of the Silaris Influenza A&B test. The Silaris test was developed by Mesa Biotech and utilizes an affordable, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing platform specifically for point-of-care (POC) infectious disease diagnosis.
The United States is currently experiencing the most severe flu season in recent years, according to the CDC, with widespread activity and high influenza-like illness (ILI) across the majority of the country. The Silaris test allows urgent care, physician offices, hospitals and other facilities to implement an affordable, CLIA Waived, molecular testing option to diagnose and treat patients quickly which is key to minimizing the spread of the virus. The Silaris test offers the simplicity, convenience and procedural familiarity of traditional visual read rapid tests, while providing the superior sensitivity and specificity of laboratory-based PCR testing. The test is indicated for use with nasal swabs which are less invasive than other sample types and allows for a more comfortable experience for the patient.
"We are very excited to announce the launch of the Silaris product because it brings a unique diagnostic tool to the marketplace. Healthcare professionals can feel more confident they are treating patients accurately and quickly which is critical, especially during heavy flu seasons," said Robert Schruender, president & CEO of Sekisui Diagnostics. “This system is highly complementary with the rest of our point-of-care product line and illustrates our commitment to deliver innovative products which improve patient care.”
Sekisui Diagnostics entered into a strategic alliance with Mesa Biotech in November 2017 for exclusive product distribution rights in the US and Canada. This allows Mesa to leverage Sekisui Diagnostics’ established sales/distribution channels and strong reputation among healthcare providers and provide immediate access to distribution channel partners.
“The influenza product is the first assay on our PCR testing platform to receive FDA clearance.” said Dr. Hong Cai, co-founder and CEO of Mesa Biotech. “This is an outstanding validation of our testing platform and we remain focused on additional product development and look forward to a long term commercial collaboration with Sekisui Diagnostics of our expandable system.”
Sekisui Diagnostics is a global diagnostics company committed to improving patient’s lives by providing innovative medical diagnostics to physicians and laboratories through a global commercial network.