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- Atomo Diagnostics (AT1), together with Viatris, has agreed to support Unitaid’s quest to expand access to HIV self-testing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)
- Unitaid’s expansion program will support the supply of up to one million HIV self-tests, with commitments to make testing available in 135 countries
- Atomo’s self-testing device will be sold at less than $2 to improve access and stimulate demand in LMICs
- The World Health Organisation has estimated an increase in the HIV self-testing market, which has encouraged Atomo to get a new facility in South Africa ready to support further production
- Shares are trading 4.8 per cent higher at 21.5 cents each
Atomo Diagnostics (AT1) together with Viatris, will support Unitaid’s quest to expand access to HIV self-testing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
Unitaid’s expansion program will support the supply of up to one million HIV self-tests to further stimulate demand for self-testing. There are already commitments to supply 135 eligible countries.
The global health agency has reached an agreement with Viatris and Atomo, selecting them as one of the providers for this program.
Atomo’s self-testing, hand-held device, the Mylan HIV self-test is able to detect HIV antibodies in a small blood sample from a fingertip.
The cost of the self-test will be reduced by 50 per cent, dropping to less than $2 each in an attempt to improve access and stimulate demand in LMICs.
Atomo’s co-founder and Managing Director, John Kelly, commented on the agreement.
“This demand enables Atomo to achieve sustainable operational and supply chain efficiencies, allowing us to support Viatris in its discussions with Unitaid.”
“We are delighted that the parties have now reached an agreement that will significantly expand the rollout of HIV self-testing in LMICs in the coming years,” he said.
The World Health Organisation has estimated the global health HIV self-testing market to be 11 million tests in 2021, rising to 29 million tests by 2025.
To keep up with the expected demand, Atomo commissioned and qualified a new HIV facility in South Africa that was certified last year by international regulators.
Atomo said the facility is fully operational and ready to support production for tender contracts in LMICs, as well as existing business in Australia and Europe.
Shares are trading 4.8 per cent higher at 21.5 cents each at 11:49 am AEST.
