Novacyt launches new Covid-19 test, extraction kits

Clinical diagnostics firm Novacyt launched three new products aimed at supporting laboratories testing for Covid-19 on Thursday.

Novacyt's Exsig Direct and Exsig Mag, two RNA extraction kits, and COVID-HT, a high-throughput test for Covid-19, will be made available immediately, with manufacturing capacity already having been stepped up in order to meet potential demand.

Chief executive Graham Mullis said: "As we continue to supply our COVID-19 test to laboratories around the world, we are delighted to provide further support through the launch of these new products.

"We believe there will be significant demand for our new extraction kits, particularly at this time when automated RNA extraction reagents are in short supply."

In addition, Mullis said Novacyt's high-throughput test, for use in large volume clinical laboratories, should also enable more efficient workflow, something he said was "critical" to achieve optimal testing volumes.

As of 0930 BST, Novacyt shares were up 7.81% at 258.75p.