ADVERTISEMENT

FDA Gives Emergency-Use Authorization for Thermo Fisher Test Kits

FDA Gives Emergency-Use Authorization for Thermo Fisher Test Kits

(Bloomberg) -- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.’s diagnostic test to detect nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus, has been authorized under an emergency-use order by the Food and Drug Administration, according to a statement from the company.

“The authorization of our diagnostic test for COVID-19 will help to protect patients and enable medical staff to respond swiftly to treat those who are ill, and prevent the spread of infection,” Thermo Fisher Scientific Chief Executive Officer Marc Casper said in the release.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an earlier address, said the government has a new partnership with the private sector to test for COVID-19, as widespread criticism grows over the U.S.’s insufficient supply of test kits.

On the government’s failure to provide sufficient test kits across the country, Trump said: “I don’t take responsibility at all,” adding that his administration has had to redesign the public health system around the circumstances of the outbreak.

To contact the reporter on this story: Natnicha Chuwiruch in Bangkok at nchuwiruch@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Shamim Adam at sadam2@bloomberg.net, Andreea Papuc, Stanley James

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.