The Baker administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, announced four grants totaling $1.5 million to broaden coronavirus testing methods in the months ahead. BIDMC will be one of the hospitals analyzing existing coronavirus antigen tests.

Boston Business Journal – January 8, 2021

State gives $1.5M in grants for development of new Covid testing

The Cambridge Innovation Center, through its subsidiary, CIC Health, operates a Covid-19 testing location at 245 Main St., in Cambridge. Mariellen Debrue, who works in Cambridge, uses a swab to self administer a Covid-19 test.
Gary Higgins / Boston Business Journal

The Baker administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, announced four grants totaling $1.5 million to broaden coronavirus testing methods in the months ahead. 

The grants were given through the Accelerating Coronavirus Testing Solutions program, which was designed by the MLSC to develop new testing methods and solve supply chain bottlenecks. 

These grants will develop two new methods of testing for coronavirus — which will help provide alternatives to current testing and expand the number of places testing can occur. Two additional grants will analyze rapid antigen tests for their ability to identify asymptomatic carriers and better inform the accuracy of the tests. 

“We are committed to continuing to find ways to expand testing innovations and solutions as we continue to fight COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I applaud the efforts of these companies and institutions and I look forward to adding new and innovative solutions and continuing to work together to combat the pandemic.

Framingham-based Kephera Diagnostics received a $417,000 grant to develop a rapid antigen test from nasal swabs. Wellesley-based Virex Health also received a $510,000 grant to accelerate development of a low-cost diagnostic using a glucometer. 

Two research hospitals: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, will both be analyzing existing coronavirus antigen tests. Beth Israel aims to measure its accuracy and effectiveness, and Brigham intends to identify asymptomatic carriers. 

“As we work together to overcome the challenges this pandemic has created,  we know that returning to everyday activities as safely as possible is tied to our ability to identify infected individuals, and that is only done via testing,” said Massachusetts Housing & Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as co-chair of the MLSC Board of Directors. “We are excited about the impact these four efforts are bringing to the table in accelerating coronavirus testing solutions with a particular focus on making it easier and quicker to perform tests that can be done by patients outside of a traditional health care setting.”

Additional coverage:

CapeCod.com – New funding for COVID-19 testing announced

WWLP-22 News – $1.5M awarded for test capacity projects