FDA approves UPNIH COVID-19 test kits

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of COVID-19 test kits developed by scientists from the University of the Philippines-National Institute of Health (UPNIH), marking a significant step in the country's diagnostic capabilities.

These locally developed test kits, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), are designed to provide immediate diagnosis and monitoring of coronavirus disease 2019.

FDA Director General Rolando Enrique Domingo highlighted that the kits will offer technological reinforcement to laboratories, enabling them to handle a growing number of patients and facilitate early screening.

The approval coincides with the Department of Health raising a Code Red sub-level 1 alert due to the first reported localized transmission of COVID-19 and President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency.

This new technology will be utilized for field testing, complemented by gene sequencing at the Philippine Genome Center, aiming for more accessible and less costly diagnostic procedures.

The FDA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of health products and devices and will collaborate with other agencies to effectively respond to the global health crisis.

As of late Monday, the Philippines reported 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

In response to the rising cases, President Duterte also ordered a week-long suspension of classes in the National Capital Region (NCR) to curb the virus's spread.