On Apr. 22, 2020, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Tangen Biosciences announced teaming up to develop a rapid diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, capable of producing results within an hour.

The test paired with the Tangen GeneSpark, a molecular diagnostic system, and operate through samples taken from the back of the nose or throat. Results would be delivered through a cloud-based mobile platform capable of granting de-identified test results to public health agencies. In this way, the pair hope that the system could help public health departments better monitor the spread of COVID-19, which SARS-CoV-2 causes, and decrease the number of infections spreading through communities.