On May 20, 2021, XPhyto announced announced it had commenced a pilot project with its rapid COVID-19 PCR test in a point-of-care (POC) setting in Germany. The Covid-ID Lab test was recently approved in Europe and offers the accuracy of a PCR test in only 25 minutes. During the pilot project, the validated work flows for the test including the mobile collection and processing of patient samples will be further optimized. XPhyto’s clinical partner for the project was Spitzweg Apotheke, a well-known pharmacy in Langen near Frankfurt, Germany, that was currently running a COVID-19 test center at a clinic, where it also provides special pharmacy services for cancer patients.

The laboratory equipment required for the project is installed and operating. The pharmacy professionals responsible for processing samples using Covid-ID Lab have successfully completed all necessary training.

Covid-ID Lab is a rapid RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 based on the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. To perform the test, Covid-ID Lab requires only a 20-minute PCR run time without prior RNA extraction as part of sample preparation. After the RT-PCR, the SARS-CoV-2 virus is detected on a test chip within 5 minutes and if SARS-CoV-2 is present, the result can be read visually immediately. XPhyto is currently in discussions with additional POC customers, distribution and wholesale partners as well as potential licensees. The sales launch in Europe is targeted for Q2 2021. The Company will provide further information and updates in due course.