Connect with us

Technology

SEKISUI Diagnostics to Provide Metrix® COVID/Flu Test to the Point-of-Care and Home Test Markets

Published

on

BURLINGTON, Mass., April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SEKISUI Diagnostics, a global medical diagnostics manufacturer, announces the launch of the Metrix® COVID/Flu Test, the second assay on the Metrix® Molecular Platform for use at the point-of-care and in the home. In January 2024, SEKISUI Diagnostics and Aptitude Medical Systems (Aptitude), formalized an exclusive distribution agreement to sell the Aptitude Metrix® COVID-19 Test in the United States. Following Aptitude’s recent FDA authorization, SEKISUI Diagnostics will now also offer the COVID/Flu combo test.

The Metrix® COVID/Flu Test is a molecular test intended for the qualitative detection and differentiation of RNA from SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B from anterior nares swab samples. Results are available in 20 minutes, and the test requires just seconds of hands-on time.

“The unique features of this test are what make this addition to our portfolio so exciting. It is not only one of the most affordable molecular multiplex tests on the market, but the simple procedure, which only requires a few steps and minimal hands-on time, allows it to be used in a variety of healthcare settings. This includes urgent care, mobile health, physician offices, and remote or underserved areas. By bringing the lab to the end user, we are enabling more accessible and timely diagnostics, ensuring that patients receive the care they need, wherever they are. This innovation is a game-changer for healthcare delivery, making high-quality diagnostics available to all.”, said Lee Lipski, Sr. VP, Strategy & Business Management, SEKISUI Diagnostics.

“The Metrix COVID/Flu test is the next step in Aptitude’s journey to transform infectious disease diagnostics. Metrix detects and differentiates three viruses, in 20 minutes, with one test – in a form factor that disrupts cost and usability barriers.”, said Dr. Scott Ferguson, CEO and co-founder of Aptitude. “We’re continuing to deliver on our promise to consumers and we are delighted to build on our successful partnership with SEKISUI Diagnostics, which expands access to Metrix, giving any healthcare provider the power of molecular without any of the barriers.”

SEKISUI Diagnostics is a well-known provider of many rapid diagnostic solutions to the professional and home testing markets through a portfolio of tests under the OSOM® and Acucy® brands. They also supply tests through the HHS/ASPR program (COVIDTests.gov) which delivers tests for free to households across the country.

About SEKISUI Diagnostics:

With over 40 years of experience, SEKISUI Diagnostics’ mission is to provide intelligent solutions to enhance life with science and improve the health of all people. We supply innovative medical diagnostics globally to physicians, hospitals, laboratories and alternate testing locations. Our product lines include clinical chemistry reagents, point-of-care tests, home tests, pre-analytic systems as well as enzymes and specialty biochemicals.

About Aptitude:

Aptitude is an innovative deep-tech healthcare company changing how infectious diseases are being detected and treated. Aptitude’s mission is to democratize diagnostics by bringing the lab to the end-user via the easy-to-use Metrix platform, delivering actionable lab-quality molecular results in minutes. The Metrix tests can be run anywhere and anytime, including physician offices, pharmacies, and in home settings. Aptitude has an extensive development pipeline to deliver on this mission for a wide range of health and wellness conditions.

This product has not been FDA cleared or approved but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an EUA; This product has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B, not for any other viruses or pathogens. The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19, Flu A, and Flu B under Section 564(b) (1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb 3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

OSOM® and Acucy® are registered trademarks for SEKISUI Diagnostics, LLC. Metrix® is a registered trademark of Aptitude Medical Systems.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sekisui-diagnostics-to-provide-metrix-covidflu-test-to-the-point-of-care-and-home-test-markets-302416254.html

SOURCE SEKISUI DIAGNOSTICS, LLC

Continue Reading

Technology

Crab2B Makes AsiaWorld-Expo Debut, Connecting Hong Kong’s Mobile Wholesalers with Global Buyers

Published

on

By

HONG KONG, Oct. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Crab2B, a pioneering B2B trading platform dedicated to mobile devices and digital products, will make its debut at the HKICEC Global Mobile Exchange Pavilion during the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows, opening at AsiaWorld-Expo on October 18, 2026.

Hong Kong has long been a major hub for electronics wholesale trade, but buyers still often rely on fragmented channels to identify suppliers. Crab2B was created to bridge this gap, bringing Hong Kong-based mobile and digital product wholesalers together on one dedicated B2B platform. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Crab2B combines the manufacturing strength of mainland China and the Greater Bay Area’s extensive supply chain capabilities with Hong Kong’s established global trading network. Together, these strengths enable Crab2B to simplify cross-border sourcing, connect buyers directly with suppliers and make international trade more accessible and efficient.

For its first appearance at a major industry trade show, Crab2B is bringing together more than 200 merchants already registered on the platform, marking a significant milestone in its development. The Crab2B booth is expected to attract electronics traders from Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond. Visitors will be able to discover the app’s capabilities through live demonstrations, register on the platform and connect directly with participating merchants to explore business opportunities.

A buyer who experienced the Crab2B app shared: “With Crab2B, we no longer have to search far and wide for reliable suppliers. The platform brings Hong Kong’s mobile phone wholesalers together in one place, giving us greater visibility into available products and sourcing opportunities. Whether I’m at my desk or on the move, I can find products and connect with suppliers whenever I need to. For businesses like ours that source across borders, that kind of access makes a real difference. It saves time, reduces transaction costs and helps us do business more efficiently.”

Crab2B CEO Luo Yaohong said, “We want to be pioneers in cross-border B2B trading for digital products, creating new opportunities for Hong Kong’s wholesale industry. As Hong Kong places greater emphasis on developing digital trade, we’re addressing a longstanding gap in the market with a dedicated digital platform that connects Hong Kong’s electronics suppliers directly with buyers around the world. Our ambition is to make cross-border trading easier, faster and more accessible, while helping Hong Kong businesses reach new markets.”

The platform’s trade show debut is also attracting attention from international merchants, with exhibitors expressing interest in joining Crab2B to expand their reach into overseas markets. Meanwhile, merchants already registered on the platform are looking forward to the launch of its planned online marketplace, which will create further opportunities for sustained collaboration and business growth.

Building on this debut, Crab2B will remain firmly rooted in Hong Kong while expanding its connections with businesses around the world. The company will continue to enhance its platform with smarter sourcing tools, more comprehensive trading capabilities and an increasingly connected network of suppliers and buyers. By making it easier to discover products, establish business relationships and conduct cross-border transactions, Crab2B aims to open new opportunities for merchants of all sizes and help shape the next chapter of Hong Kong’s digital trade industry.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/crab2b-makes-asiaworld-expo-debut-connecting-hong-kongs-mobile-wholesalers-with-global-buyers-302911938.html

SOURCE Crab2B

Continue Reading

Technology

Canton Fair Buyers Alliance Launched as the 140th Edition Opens

Published

on

By

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 15, the Canton Fair Buyers Alliance was officially launched at the Canton Fair Complex, marking a significant milestone as the fair celebrates the 70th anniversary of its founding.

More than 140 overseas buyers attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the fair’s enduring role as a bridge connecting global commerce with China’s export sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Luís Vilariça, CEO of Joinco, Import & Export, Ltd., discussed his company’s long-standing relationship with the Canton Fair. Drawing on years of participation, he reflected on the growth opportunities created through cooperation with Chinese suppliers and highlighted the fair’s role in supporting international business development and global trade exchanges.

The ceremony also featured a joint declaration by alliance members. Representatives from five member companies read the statement in their respective native languages, underscoring the international character of the new organization. Additional members sent video congratulatory messages, joining the celebration and witnessing the official launch of the alliance.

The Canton Fair Buyers Alliance represents one of the fair’s key service innovations. Designed primarily for Fortune Global 500 companies, buyers from the world’s top 250 retailers and leading sourcing enterprises across a diverse range of markets, the alliance aims to offer members a platform for information sharing and resource coordination. The first cohort of alliance members includes 58 companies from 32 countries and regions across 5 continents. Through the alliance, members will gain access to a range of priority benefits spanning four major areas: services, events, resources and information.

 For more convenient attendance, please click here for pre-registration:

https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canton-fair-buyers-alliance-launched-as-the-140th-edition-opens-302911896.html

SOURCE Canton Fair

Continue Reading

Technology

Bioethanol from human hair – Indian start-up’s solution to rising prices of grains and sugar

Published

on

By

GUJARAT, India, Oct. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In what could be called the beginning of the 5G (fifth-generation) of bioethanol or non-cellulosic bioethanol or non-sugar-based biofuels, an Indian start-up, Techofest Global, based out of Gujarat, has developed its own, indigenous, and patented technology for the production of bioethanol from waste human hair. Such processes would significantly reduce the employment of sugars, grains, and agricultural residues, which form the classical first- and second-generation bioethanol feedstocks. As a result, the rising fuel-vs.-food/fodder debate is anticipated to reduce, and instead, ethanol produced from municipal/industrial waste, after trials, can supplement the current supply being used as blends with presently retailed fossil fuels (E20, E27, etc.). 

As stated by Dr. Ravi, the founder-CEO of Techofest Global, the strategic priority and the USP of the start-up is industrial symbiosis, which, typically, involves an ecosystem of up-cycling/valorising the effluents of an industry, thereby creating a value-chain for residues often lacking an end-of-life. With more than three decades of experience in designing customized nuclear fusion reactors for international programmes, such as ITER, JET/UKAEA and SST-1, Dr. Ravi, a seasoned mechanical engineer, spearheads the start-up’s patented technologies’ scale-up and commercialization.

Two biochemical engineers, Dr. Navnit – the former CTO, and Dr. Kabilan – the former CEO of Biomakerz, Chennai, are the brains behind the current technology/process portfolio of the joint-venture between Techofest Global and Biomakerz. They have been working on biorefineries’ process intensification for more than a decade. “Having foreseen the fuel-vs-fodder/food competition as early as the year 2015, we began developing techno-economically feasible and viable in-vitro metabolically-engineered bioprocesses for scaling-up ethanol production from municipal waste streams between 2019–2021”, says Navnit. After developing operational technologies for international biofuel organizations, serving process engineer roles with certain biorefineries-related OMC R&D’s of India, Dr. Navnit, presently works for a premier academic institution.

An on-going fermentation trial at the Techofest Global-Biomakerz JV’s R&D facility

Techofest Global has developed and tested, in its R&D JV’s pilot-facility of ~100-L, 3 innovative and cost-effective technologies, such as 5G ethanol production using human hair, used cooking oil (UCO), and enriched bio-methane production from disposed sanitary napkins.

“With massive CapEx and OpEx, 2G ethanol technology is facing a major commercialization bottleneck, owing to competition with food/livestock fodder, requirement of a cost-intensive pre-treatment procedure, and the requirement of cellulolytic cocktails, which have a poor recycle efficiency. The proprietary 5G SAFE process developed for the start-up circumvents the mentioned constraints, and instead, utilizes a single-stage saccharification followed by fermentation, and records over 85–90% biocatalyst recovery. Likewise, the proprietary SIM process for bio-methane production, exclusively developed for the start-up, is 2x faster with improved intermittent feeding cycles and continuous gas harvest”, says Navnit.

“With on-going pre-commercialization trials, the proprietary ethanol and bio-methane processes of ours are soon being commercialized”, says Ms. Bhumika, the co-founder and the corporate advisor of the start-up. Furthermore, Mr. Ronak pilots the organization’s global market entry and commercialization frontier.

Techofest Global’s veteran Principal Technology Advisors include: Dr VS Tripathi, former Joint Director, DRDE Gwalior, Dr B S Munjal, former Director, Structures and Thermal group, SAC/ISRO, Academician and Advisor CIKS-Dharohar, GTU, and Dr AV Santhanababu, former Scientist at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. With on-going R&D activities, Dr. Munjal says, “the start-up is striving to provide a unique solution along the lines of the Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat Vision 2047”.

Media Contact: www.techofestglobal.com; e-mail: info@techofestglobal.com; contact person: The PR team of Techofest Global.

Photo: https://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS2015507/Picture1.jpg?id=OA3024965&token=5vT9XuZXAG0yamsZlRrsBAiUapaplm73wYH8NIfU0xCtOlj76dueXcTw2Eb-3w

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/bioethanol-from-human-hair–indian-start-ups-solution-to-rising-prices-of-grains-and-sugar-302911813.html

Continue Reading

Trending