Dong-A ST said it would distribute more diverse Covid-19 diagnostic kits in the global markets.
The company said it would not only distribute PCL’s home test kits but supply Macrogen’s antigen rapid test kits for professionals overseas, seemingly aiming to increase revenue from medical devices and diagnostic business.
On Friday, Dong-A ST said it agreed with Macrogen to supply the latter’s Covid-19 antigen rapid diagnostic kits and clinical diagnosis services in foreign markets.
Under the agreement, Dong-A ST will utilize its overseas distribution networks to sell Macrogen’s diagnostic kits.
Macrogen’s Axen COVID-19 Ag RAPID Kit is for professionals and has a high 97 percent sensitivity. The product obtained Europe CE marking for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices.
According to Macrogen, its product demonstrated 97 percent sensitivity and specificity in a trial at Seoul National University Hospital this year.
Dong-A ST said its latest deal with Macrogen targets the global diagnostic market amid the prolonged pandemic.
The company plans to supply rapid testing kits overseas stably and enter the public procurement markets such as that for the WHO. However, the company did not disclose which country it planned to sell the testing kit.
In May, Dong-A ST signed an agreement with PCL to distribute PCL’s home Covid-19 testing kits in the global market.
“We are proceeding with the global supply first. The local distribution will come after PCL wins approval for its home testing kit,” an official at Dong-A ST said.
Also, Dong-A ST will supply Macrogen’s clinical diagnosis services such as genomic test-based prenatal diagnosis, cancer or rare disease diagnosis, and molecular diagnosis in foreign markets.
The company will seek opportunities for global business in the clinical diagnosis services field and diversify portfolios of export items, it said.
“Dong-A ST is making efforts to pioneer the global markets and diversify export products,” an official at Dong-A ST said. “By utilizing Dong-A ST’s overseas distribution channels and Macrogen’s products and services, we will do our best to expand the overseas business and boost sales.”