Noble M&B, Lollipop-Shaped COVID-19 Saliva Specimen Collection Kit

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Noble M&B announced on the 28th that it has developed a lollipop-shaped COVID-19 saliva specimen collection swab in collaboration with Noble Bio and completed patent application and PCT filing.

The suitability of the lollipop-shaped saliva specimen collection swab for COVID-19 PCR testing was confirmed by a US CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified laboratory. They expect commercialization soon as well as the possibility of export to the United States.

The saliva specimen collection kit jointly developed by Noble M&B and Noble Bio is the first in Korea to be developed in a lollipop shape. Clinical trials for a rapid antigen test kit using the lollipop-shaped saliva collection swab are also underway.

A company official explained, "There are existing saliva collection kits with tube containers that collect saliva by spitting, but there are concerns about discomfort and risk of re-spreading during the spitting process," adding, "We developed a lollipop-shaped saliva specimen collection kit that can collect saliva inside the mouth like a lollipop."

He continued, "Since this saliva specimen collection method complements the drawbacks of the existing PCR test’s nasopharyngeal swab collection method, we expect there will be demand if it is commercialized."