PHC Obtains Argentina Approval for COVID-19 Saliva Antigen Rapid Test Kit

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] PHC (CEO Choi Inhwan)'s affiliate, Philosys (CEO Lee In), announced on the 13th that it has obtained local expert approval in Argentina for the saliva antigen rapid diagnostic kit ‘Gmate COVID-19 Ag Saliva’.

Gmate COVID-19 Ag Saliva, sold by PHC and produced by its affiliate Philosys, uses a saliva-based measurement method that is simple to use, and allows result interpretation and transmission via an app, making it highly versatile. PHC has been recognized for this excellence and has signed contracts with multiple countries for COVID-19 related products.

Among Argentina’s approximately 45.6 million population, the cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases currently exceed 5 million, and the death toll is also over 110,000, about 2.2%. Although about 30 million people (66%) have received at least one vaccine dose and about 24 million people (52%) are fully vaccinated, the local COVID-19 related market economy and situation still require caution.

With this approval in Argentina, which is the first obtained domestically, PHC plans to prioritize supplying Gmate COVID-19 Ag Saliva to government health centers and screening clinics, and is currently negotiating testing and sales at approximately 16,000 local pharmacies.

A PHC official stated, “With the approval obtained, full-scale product shipments will be possible, and supply on the scale of 1 million units per month will begin this month,” adding, “Since Argentina plays a central role in Mercosur, the South American Common Market and economic community established in 1991, we plan to pursue additional certifications and sales in other member countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay based on this.”