Microbix and Oneworld create COVID-19 test quality program

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Two life science companies, Mississauga, Ont.-based Microbix Biosystems Inc., and Vancouver-based Oneworld Accuracy (1WA), announced plans to collaborate on a global external quality assessment (EQA) program to support clinically-effective COVID-19 testing.

Based in Canada, the firms say this program will be made available to all governments to underpin their public health responsibility to ensure accurate COVID-19 testing.

This EQA program will first be launched in Canada then, as production scales, be rolled-out worldwide – likely over the next few months.

According to a statement, Microbix will provide all EQA samples, including its SARS-CoV-2 quality assessment products.

“This collaboration combines Microbix’s demonstrated expertise in making innovative and cross-platform EQA samples with 1WA’s leading EQA informatics and logistics expertise,” said Microbix CEO Cameron Groome in a prepared statement. “Alongside 1WA, we’re pleased to be able to enable a global EQA program and make a significant public health contribution to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to 1WA, the firm will be managing all informatics and logistics for the EQA program for the current network of governments that have adopted collaborative EQA, and for further governments that need EQA to underpin the quality of their COVID-19 testing efforts.

Daniel Taylor, CEO of 1WA also commented, “We have already begun to assemble an international scientific advisory board to optimize the design of this vital program and analyze the resulting data sets. In particular, the program can be readily implemented in low- and middle-income countries where COVID-19 may have a disproportionate impact.”