SD Biosensor Signs Supply Contract Worth 148.3 Billion KRW with Japanese Government

COVID-19 and Flu Simultaneous Diagnostic Kits, etc.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] SD Biosensor announced on the 18th that it has signed a supply contract worth 148.3 billion KRW with the Japanese government for simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza diagnostic kits as well as COVID-19 self-test kits.

The simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza diagnostic kits supplied to the Japanese government by SD Biosensor can detect infections of COVID-19 variants including Omicron and Delta, as well as Influenza A and B, within 15 minutes.

Japan recorded 250,000 COVID-19 cases on the 10th and has since been on a gradual decline. The Japanese government is currently considering stopping the full-scale identification of all infected individuals and downgrading COVID-19 from a Class 2 to a Class 5 disease. If the infectious disease classification changes, COVID-19 will no longer require full investigations, contact tracing, or hospitalization recommendations, similar to seasonal influenza.

An SD Biosensor official stated, “The Japanese government’s consideration of managing COVID-19 and influenza under the same classification appears to have increased demand for simultaneous diagnostic kits,” and added, “As the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and influenza is strongly anticipated in the second half of this year, we will do our best to quickly supply simultaneous diagnostic products.”