Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Pharmaceuticals
October 30, 2020

Quick NaviTM Rapid Diagnostic Test in Japan Now Supports Simultaneous Testing for Influenza and COVID-19 Through Collection of a Single Testing Sample

Enables Test Sample Collection from Front of Nasal Cavity, in Conjunction with Quick Navi -Flu2 and Quick Navi -COVID19 Ag Diagnostic Kits

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka) and Denka Company, Limited announce that on October 30, a change in manufacturing and marketing approval for the influenza virus antigen rapid diagnostic kit Quick Navi -Flu2 was granted in Japan by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

With the change in approval, a single test swab can be used to collect a test sample from the front of the patient's nasal cavity and that sample can then be used for simultaneous testing in conjunction with the influenza virus antigen rapid diagnostic kit Quick Navi -Flu2 and the COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic kit Quick Navi -COVID19 Ag. The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases recommends that patients be tested simultaneously for influenza and COVID-19.

The Quick Navi - Flu2 and the Quick Navi -COVID-19 Ag tests enable patients themselves to collect a sample from the front of their nasal cavity, when done under the supervision of medical staff. Alternatively, medical staff themselves can use the existing method of using a nasopharyngeal swab to collect a test sample from the back of the naval cavity.

Use of a single sample to test for two different viruses aids the physician in rapid and accurate diagnosis. The potential reemergence of simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza epidemics during the autumn and winter months ahead illustrates the heightened importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical regards countermeasures against infectious diseases as a social responsibility, and together with Denka, aims to advance clinical testing and prompt and appropriate medical care through the provision of this product to domestic medical institutions.