Strong demand has seen available testing kits sell quickly across the US and some suppliers say a production ramp-up will take time to flow through to consumers.
“I think there’s a high likelihood of some supply issues based on the fact the rest of the world has significantly increased their internal demand. There’s only a finite amount of monthly capacity in the system,” Dr Kelly toldThe Australian Financial Review.
“I think there will be some challenges, further exacerbated by the fact that it is nearly impossible to get air freight into Australia because of reduced flights.
“Between the supply issues and the logistics issues, it is going to be a challenge. It’s certainly costing more to get stuff into the country.”
At least 30 products are already approved for supervised use and 70 companies have expressed interest to the regulator. The TGA is working with manufacturers to adapt the products for at-home use.
Rapid testing kits cost between $5 and $20 each for consumers.
Last weekthe Victorian government said it was in talks to fund local manufacture of rapid COVID-19 tests, part of plans to help reopen schools, offices and major events. The state has purchased more than 2.2 million tests.
Brisbane-based biotech firm Ellumeis selling tests to America and won a US Department of Defence supply contract worth $US230 million ($313 million) earlier this year. Melbourne-based Pantonic Health isamong companies selling rapid point-of-care kitsto business and government.
Dr Kelly said Atomo was the only company in Australia with previous TGA approval for self-test kits for infectious diseases. Customer services and supply chains for the company’s HIV test are already in place.
“We supplied the Australia Olympic team with COVID-19 tests and started to run some pilots in aged care because we thought they were particularly vulnerable to outbreaks,” he said.
“Clearly there is a lot of demand, and I think it is only going to increase now. That coincides with other countries ramping up their internal consumption, so I think there’s going to be a bit of a crunch.”
Rapid technology tests are designed to detect virus antigens, or proteins, and work best early in the COVID-19 infection cycle when viral load is at its highest.
The two-minute test uses samples from the throat and nose placed in a chemical solution and applied to a cartridge, similar to those used in some pregnancy test kits. Results are available in as little as 10 minutes.
