The largest surge testing operation to date is now under way in South London areas due to a considerable outbreak of the COVID variant first detected in South Africa. The cluster of infections in these areas is said to be ‘significant’, with dozens of people self-isolating or already having completed an isolation period. More than 70 confirmed or possible cases of the South African variant are said to have been recorded so far. Extra testing and genomic sequencing is being provided i...

BioMérieux has announced the CE marking of three dengue fever immunoassays. The fully automated assays run on the firm's VIDAS® systems. These VIDAS® DENGUE assays can be used independently to detect the viral antigen (NS1) and antibodies (IgM and IgG) produced by the host in response to the infection. These three serological tests are recommended by international guidelines. BioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (systems, reagents, software and services) which deter...

BIVDA, the trade association for British in-vitro diagnostic companies, has welcomed the launch of the ‘Medicines and Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund’ which is now open for applications. The new fund of £20 million is dedicated to expanding the manufacturing capacity of the life sciences industry.  The fund is open to manufacturers of human licensed medicines, medical diagnostics and medical devices, and projects must have a minimum total size of 8M, wit...

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi has today announced a new fund of £20 million dedicated to expanding the manufacturing capacity of the life sciences industry. The ‘Medicines and Diagnostics Manufacturing Transformation Fund’ is now open for applications. Applicants are invited to apply for a share of the total fund. The fund aims to boost economic opportunities, innovation and health resilience by supporting medicines and diagnostics investments in the UK. The fund is open to p...

The Government is to provide an additional £250 million of funding to scientists and researchers as part of its commitment to drive the UK forward as a science superpower. The new funding will be injected into projects and research efforts this year, supporting pioneering research. As a result, the UK scientific community will have access to more public funding than ever before. This takes total Government investment in R&D to £14.9 billion in 2021/22 and follows four years of si...

Why Your Diagnostic Tests can be Vital A blood test can mean the difference between life and death. Hard-hitting as it sounds, diagnostic tests provide results that can change an individual’s life and allow health professionals to diagnose and then treat their conditions.Diagnostic tests are a key component in virtually every health intervention that takes place. The results of these tests provide essential and invaluable information throughout the healthcare process, with tests being...

BIVDA launches the Don’t Wait;Act Testing Campaign For Immediate Release  -- BIVDA, the trade association for British in-vitro diagnostic companies, has launched its new Don’t Wait;Act campaign to re-start testing for non-COVID health issues today. Routine care and health screening for diseases such as cancers, heart disease and diabetes have either experienced long pauses or drops in take-ups from members of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, t...

BIVDA was pleased to welcome Dr Alessandro Carabelli, Research Lead from COG-UK, to the most recent meeting of the APPG for Life Sciences. Dr Carabelli presented on the progress of identifying and testing for new COVID-19 variants, and he is pleased for us to share his slides for interest - you can find them attached below. 

Please find attached update presentations from the MDCC on border controls and batch testing. 

The MDCC Unit in the Office for Life Sciences has put together a Q&A document covering an extensive range of issues including UKCA marking, cross-border trade and packaging requirements. Members can find it attached.