China is ramping up efforts to export COVID-19 antibody tests, cashing in on global demand for serological tests that detect whether someone has been exposed to the virus..
The country’s top health authority, the National Health Commission (NHC), has approved 15 antibody tests for export, up from just two in early July. The tests have been developed by a range of Chinese companies, including BGI Genomics, Wantai BioPharm, and Sino Biological..
The move comes as global demand for antibody tests surges. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that serological tests could play a major role in tracking the spread of the virus and identifying people who have been infected but may not have developed symptoms..
China is well-positioned to meet this demand, having ramped up its own production of antibody tests in recent months. The country is now producing an estimated 10 million antibody tests per week, according to the NHC..
The export of antibody tests is a major opportunity for Chinese companies, which are looking to capitalize on the global demand for COVID-19 testing products. The tests are relatively inexpensive to produce and can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and workplaces..
The Chinese government is also supporting the export of antibody tests, seeing it as a way to boost the country’s economy and soft power. The government has provided financial assistance to companies developing antibody tests and has helped to promote their products overseas..
The export of antibody tests is also a way for China to contribute to the global fight against COVID-19. The tests can help to identify people who have been infected with the virus and track the spread of the pandemic. This information can be used to develop more effective public health measures and to prevent future outbreaks..
The export of antibody tests is a win-win situation for China and the rest of the world. China can benefit economically from the export of these tests, while the rest of the world can benefit from the improved ability to track and fight the COVID-19 pandemic..
