Co-Diagnostics says its Logix Smart coronavirus test has obtained regulatory authorization to be sold in markets that accept CE markings

Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CODX) has announced that its Logix Smart SARS-CoV-2 DS (Direct Saliva) test has obtained regulatory authorization to be sold as an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) for the diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) in markets that accept CE markings. The company noted that the test is available now for purchase from its Utah-based ISO-13485:2016 certified facility. Co-Diagnostics’ Logix Smart DS test kit is designed to detect the presence of the RdRp and E genes of SARS-CoV-2 directly from minimally processed human saliva samples while eliminating RNA extraction of the samples, a costly and time-consuming process required by most PCR tests. READ: Co-Diagnostics turns 1Q net profit of nearly $8M on strong sales of its Logix Smart COVID-19 Test The company said it believes that eliminating the extraction process has the potential to increase throughput and lower costs of not only COVID-19 testing, but also any other pathogen for which it develops a direct saliva test. In a statement, Dwight Egan, Co-Diagnostics chief executive officer commented, “We are pleased to announce that this new, simplified PCR testing method is now available as an IVD in any country that accepts a CE marking as valid regulatory approval to aid in the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, which we anticipate will drive demand for diagnostics as normalization testing protocols are established. We believe that the need for testing will especially persist in countries where vaccination rates lag substantially behind those of the United States." He added: “The direct saliva technical advance represents one of the important innovations that the Company has developed since the pandemic began. Our unique CoPrimer™ technology utilized in this test design received initial patent protection in 2018, which was further strengthened by an additional patent last year. "In combination with this technology, direct saliva testing will play a key role in our ongoing centralized lab initiative, as well as our forthcoming at home and point of care testing strategies. As a Company, we are particularly pleased with the dedication and hard work performed by our scientific, laboratory and regulatory staff that has culminated in this significant achievement." Egan concluded: “The quality of our tests and technology have been consistently borne out both here in the United States and in over 50 countries internationally as Co-Diagnostics has been chosen by prestigious laboratories who specialize in providing highly accurate PCR testing. "We believe this CE marking is a critical indicator of our goal to bring high quality, affordable molecular diagnostics to nations across the world, where our distributors and customers have come to depend on the quality, accuracy, and affordability of our diagnostic products, and of our commitment since the earliest days of the pandemic to remain on the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.” The CE Marking for the Logix Smart DS CE-IVD test confirms that it meets the Essential Requirements of the European Community’s In-Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive (IVDD 98/79/EC), permitting export and sales of the product as an IVD to commence immediately in the European Community. Many other global markets also accept a CE marking as valid regulatory approval following routine local product registration, which allows sales of the company’s IVD into these areas as well. Co-Diagnostics, a Utah-based corporation, is a molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets a state-of-the-art diagnostics technology. Its technology is utilized for tests that are designed using the detection and/or analysis of nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA). The company also uses its proprietary technology to design specific tests to locate genetic markers for use in industries other than infectious disease and license the use of those tests to specific customers. Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com