Lumos set to manufacture rapid antigen tests in Victoria

Lumos Diagnostics, together with delivery partner Planet Innovation, has agreed to establish a manufacturing facility and innovation hub in Victoria with support from the state government — a move which will help the state to secure critical supplies of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and create more local jobs in the medical technology sector.

If approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Lumos — which is already making RATs for Canadian and European markets — will produce one million tests a month from April and three million a month after July, with full production from October onwards of up to 50 million RATs each year. The Victorian Government plans to secure priority supply of several million of these tests to meet demand in the coming months.

“Manufacturing rapid antigen tests in Victoria will protect and secure the state’s supply chain and create local jobs,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. “Being able to scale up production so quickly shows the strength of Victoria’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

The Lumos facility will be able to produce diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, tropical diseases, chronic diseases and reproductive health, in addition to RATs. Through the innovation hub, local start-ups, research and development institutes, and small-to-medium businesses will also have access to product development and manufacturing support programs. The project will also create at least 70 ongoing jobs.

Victoria’s Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford, said, “School is back, businesses are open and we can spend time with the people we love doing the things we have missed. Rapid antigen tests are a big part of living safely and having a secure, locally made supply will serve us incredibly well.”

Planet Group Co-CEO Stuart Elliot concluded, “Planet Innovation is delighted to work alongside Lumos Diagnostics and with support from the Victorian Government to locally manufacture a range of diagnostic rapid tests that will support Victoria through the current COVID pandemic and into the future.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/ink drop

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