Leading European biotech company GeneMe is targeting the travel industry with a “fast, scalable and reliable” on-site mouth swab test for COVID-19.
The company claims that FRANKD – which takes its name from the words frank, reliable, accurate, nucleic based, kit and daily – streamlines the testing process to make it faster (30 minutes or less), simpler and more cost-effective than standard laboratory-based tests.
According to GeneMe, FRANKD has shown to be 100% specific to COVID-19 and 97% sensitive in independent laboratory tests.
“Mass testing of travellers and staff is the only way to restart the travel industry safely and quickly. We have the technology and scale to help the travel industry get back to doing what they do best.” – GeneMe UK CEO Andrew Wheeler
London-based GeneMe UK is an authorised distributor of FRANKD, which is represented and distributed in travel retail by Katalyst Communications.
GeneMe UK CEO Andrew Wheeler said: “Mass testing of travellers and staff is the only way to restart the travel industry safely and quickly. We have the technology and scale to help the travel industry get back to doing what they do best.”
FRANKD tests for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. A nasal or throat swab is used in the same way as standard RT-PCR testing. However, the FRANKD testing process is much simpler, with viral material from the swab tested directly, saving both time and cost. It also means that businesses can test on-site using a portable testing machine. Unlike some other viral testing solutions, FRANKD is suitable for mass testing. According to GeneMe, 72 people can be tested at a time, every 30 minutes with one device. On-premises testing by trained staff removes delays and the challenge of getting test samples to lab technicians to process. |
FRANKD can be used as a screening test to create COVID-19 free zones within travel hubs, to eliminate the need for social distancing once passengers enter the airport or ferry terminal. GeneMe said the testing of all departing and arriving passengers and crew could lead to a relaxation of quarantine rules for those who test negative while targeted assistance could be provided to the very few that are infected.
“This will allow the travel industry to restart while protecting travellers, holidaymakers and staff alike,” the company added.
FRANKD results are linked to a digital identity app, such as Yoti, which offers users the opportunity to link to test results. “Individuals can present or share their tamperproof, verified details and test result in seconds to allow access to transit hubs, or on arrival at customs,” GeneMe said.
Katalyst Communications Retail Director Mark Ozmen said the distributor is discussing the use of FRANKD with governments, airports, airlines, resorts and hotel groups across Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The company aims to roll out millions of tests over the coming months, “enabling those businesses and destinations to restart their business at scale”.
“Screening tests are the only way to restart the travel industry,” Wheeler added. “Until now this has been impractical and too costly. FRANKD is a game changer. We’re delighted FRANKD has chosen Katalyst to help bring large-scale COVID-19 testing to restart the travel industry.”
Further details are available from Mark Ozmen, Katalyst Communications: tel +44 (0) 8444 822493; mob +44 (0) 7771 710213 or email: mark.ozmen@katalystcommunications.com or mark@geneme.uk
