Closely-held RPS Diagnostics and Atomo Diagnostics of Australia have entered into a commercial and development partnership to create next generation FebriDx tests that are anticipated to transform the diagnosis of febrile acute respiratory infections (ARI) at the point-of-care.
The FebriDx test is a rapid, in-office point-of-care test that uses a finger stick blood sample to provide clinicians with a rapid assessment of the body’s immune response to ARIs.
The single use, disposable test identifies within 10 minutes patients that have a clinically significant underlying infection and aids in the differentiation of viral and bacterial ARIs.
“We believe the incorporation of the novel Atomo technology into the existing FebriDx testing system will improve its ease of use and accuracy, allowing for broader acceptance in outpatient settings,” Dr. Robert Sambursky, president and chief technology and medical officer of RPS, said in a statement.
The commercially available, qualitative FebriDx test will now utilize Atomo Diagnostics’ all-in-one rapid diagnostic test platform. Unlike standard, multi-component rapid test kits, the unique Atomo platform consolidates the test procedure into a single device.
ARIs may be associated with nonspecific flu-like symptoms including, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and fatigue. Due to overlapping symptoms and signs, it can be challenging for physicians to differentiate between viral and bacterial causes of infection during an office visit. Both diagnostic uncertainty and patient or parent pressures for antibiotic prescriptions lead to 50% of antibiotic prescriptions for ARIs being unnecessary.
John Kelly, CEO of Atomo, said rapid viral versus bacterial differentiation is a critical need. “This exciting new partnership with RPS Diagnostics presents new opportunities for both parties and will further support Atomo’s long-term expansion plans.”
In addition, RPS and Atomo have begun development of an enhanced digital single use, disposable version of the test. The digital FebriDx test is planned for FDA clinical trials.
