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https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/coronavirus-ellume-covid19-rapid-test-approved-for-us-use/news-story/46f0e0eda2275d875528ccf852977900

Coronavirus: Ellume COVID-19 rapid test approved for US use

A Brisbane-based company has developed a new weapon in the fight against coronavirus that has been approved for use in the US.

Ellen Ransley

NCA NewsWireDECEMBER 16, 202010:48AM

Ellume founder and CEO Dr Sean Parsons helped develop the rapid, at-home COVID-19 test emergency authorised for use in the United States. Picture: Annette DewSource:News Corp Australia

A rapid, over-the-counter COVID-19 test developed in Brisbane has been approved for use in the United States, but the technology is yet to be approved for use in Australia.

The antigen test, designed by Ellume, is the first of its kind to be granted emergency use authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration.

The test is set to prove itself an essential tool in combating the virus in the worst-hit country, which this week marked the grim milestone of 300,000 deaths.

Dr Sean Parsons in Brisbane’s Ellume lab, which has developed the first-of-its-kind test available for at-home use. Picture: Lyndon MechielsenSource:News Corp Australia

It coincides with the nation’s emergency rollout of the Pfizer vaccination and, according to CEO Dr Sean Parsons, will facilitate a safe return to normal.

“As COVID-19 case numbers hit record highs, the world needs access to fast, affordable, easy-to-use home testing,” Dr Parsons said.

“Ellume’s COVID-19 home test delivers the important first line of defence – it can be widely available without the need for a prescription, enabling the US to respond to the pandemic in its most urgent stage.”

The test will be available for non-prescription home use to determine COVID-19 in people with or without symptoms and in adults and children aged two years and over.

Earlier this month, Ellume received funding from the Queensland government to ramp up production of its technology.

“Ellume is on track to produce 100,000 tests per day from next month and over 250,000 tests per day by March 2021,” a company statement read.

“Ellume plans to manufacture and deliver in excess of 20 million Ellume COVID-19 tests within the first half of 2021.”