OraSure Technologies Lands $8.6M Contract to Develop Ebola Diagnostic

Diagnostic testing company, OraSure Technologies (Nasdaq: OSUR) has been awarded an $8.6 million contract by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority  (BARDA) to develop a second generation Ebola test.

The test will be developed on the company’s OraQuick® platform and is expected to feature improved sensitivity, increased shelf life, new chemistry and more automation when compared to the de novo FDA-authorized test.

 Highlights

• OraSure’s OraQuick® Ebola Rapid Antigen test is the only test today with a de novo authorization from the FDA;
• The test has been used extensively for Ebola cadaver testing in Africa with results available in 30 minutes;
• The project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

OraSure has partnered with the US government to counter some of the largest public health challenges worldwide.