Fulgent Genetics Adds Influenza A and Influenza B to all COVID-19 Tests
Fulgent Genetics (NASDAQ: FLGT) announced that starting September 28, 2020, all COVID-19 tests will now also include results for Influenza A and B. This addition aims to enhance testing efficiency as flu season approaches, helping to differentiate between influenza and SARS-CoV-2. CEO Brandon Perthuis highlighted the superiority of their RT-PCR tests, noting consistent 24-hour turnaround times. The new testing will be integrated into all platforms, including drive-through and at-home tests. This move positions Fulgent as a leading laboratory for comprehensive viral testing during the pandemic.
- Addition of Influenza A and B testing to COVID-19 tests improves service scope.
- Reinforces Fulgent's position as a leading lab for COVID-19 testing.
- Consistent 24-hour turnaround time for RT-PCR results enhances service reliability.
- None.
TEMPLE CITY, Calif., Sept. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLGT) (“Fulgent Genetics” or the “company”), a technology company providing comprehensive testing solutions through its scalable technology platform, today announced that beginning September 28th, all patients tested for COVID-19 by Fulgent Genetics will also receive results for Influenzas A and B.
“With flu season fast approaching, we believe it will be critical to differentiate between Influenza and SARS-CoV-2, and that this combination of virus testing will become the standard of care during the remainder of the pandemic. Adding Influenza A and B testing to our COVID-19 testing solution further solidifies Fulgent Genetics as the go-to laboratory for testing during this pandemic, as it has become increasing clear that RT-PCR is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing,” commented Brandon Perthuis, Chief Commercial Officer of Fulgent Genetics. “While some non-RT-PCR tests have the potential to deliver faster results, the sensitivity and specificity of our RT-PCR test for COVID-19, especially at low-level viral loads, is critical to minimize both false positives and false negatives. We believe RT-PCR testing solutions are currently the most viable solution for asymptomatic testing, early detection after potential exposure and for preventative screening. Finally, while some labs have difficulty delivering results within their projected turn-around-times for RT-PCR tests, Fulgent has consistently delivered RT-PCR testing results within 24 hours from receipt of sample,” Perthuis added.
The addition of Influenza A and B testing will apply to all Fulgent COVID-19 tests and platforms including drive-through testing, enterprise testing for back-to-work and back-to-school, facility-based testing, as well as its FDA authorized Picture at-home test.
About Fulgent Genetics
Fulgent Genetics’ proprietary technology platform has created a broad, flexible test menu and the ability to continually expand and improve its proprietary genetic reference library while maintaining accessible pricing, high accuracy and competitive turnaround times. Combining next generation sequencing (“NGS”) with its technology platform, the Company performs full-gene sequencing with deletion/duplication analysis in an array of panels that can be tailored to meet specific customer needs. In 2019, the Company launched its first patient-initiated product, Picture Genetics, a new line of at-home screening tests that combines the Company’s advanced NGS solutions with actionable results and genetic counseling options for individuals. Since March 2020, the Company has commercially launched several tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), including NGS and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (“RT-PCR”) - based tests. The Company has received Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for the RT-PCR-based tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using upper respiratory specimens (nasal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal swabs) and for the at-home testing service through Picture Genetics. A cornerstone of the Company’s business is its ability to provide expansive options and flexibility for all clients’ unique testing needs through a comprehensive technology offering including cloud computing, pipeline services, record management, web portal services, clinical workflow, sequencing as a service and automated lab services.
About Picture Genetics
Through its Picture Genetics platform launched in 2019, Fulgent Genetics offers consumers direct access to its advanced genetic testing and analytics capabilities from the ease and comfort of home, at an affordable price point. The Picture Genetics platform provides a holistic approach to at-home genetic screening by including oversight from independent physicians as well as genetic counseling options to complement Fulgent Genetics’ comprehensive genetic testing analysis. The Picture Genetics platform currently offers multiple tests, providing medically actionable, clinical-level results with professional medical follow-up in one easy process. Visit www.picturegenetics.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements about, among other things: management’s estimates and projections regarding testing trends during the remainder of the pandemic, the suitability and performance of RT-PCR tests, including Fulgent Genetics’ RT-PCR testing solution, as compared to other potential testing solutions and for certain testing circumstances, the company’s identification and evaluation of opportunities and its ability to capitalize on opportunities to grow its business; expected future lab capacity and turnaround times; expectations or guidance regarding future revenues and management’s judgements and evaluations of the company’s platform and technology.
Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and relate to future events or circumstances or the company’s future performance, and they are based on management’s current assumptions, expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on the company’s business. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause the forward-looking events and circumstances described in this press release to not occur, and actual results to differ materially and adversely from those described in or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the preventive public health measures that may continue to impact demand for its tests and the pandemic’s effects on the global supply chain; the market potential for, and the rate and degree of market adoption of, the company’s tests, including its newly-developed tests for COVID-19 and genetic testing generally; the company’s ability to capture a sizable share of the developing market for genetic and COVID-19 testing and to compete successfully in these markets, including its ability to continue to develop new tests that are attractive to its various customer markets, its ability to maintain turnaround times and otherwise keep pace with rapidly changing technology; the company’s ability to maintain the low internal costs of its business model, particularly as the company makes investments across its business; the company’s ability to maintain an acceptable margin on sales of its tests, particularly in light of increasing competitive pressures and other factors that may continue to reduce the company’s sale prices for and margins on its tests; risks related to volatility in the company’s results, which can fluctuate significantly from period to period; risks associated with the composition of the company’s customer base, which can fluctuate from period to period and can be comprised of a small number of customers that account for a significant portion of the company’s revenue; the company’s ability to grow and diversify its customer base and increase demand from existing and new customers; the company’s investments in its infrastructure, including its sales organization and operational capabilities, and the extent to which these investments impact the company’s business and performance and enable it to manage any growth it may experience in future periods; the company’s level of success in obtaining coverage and adequate reimbursement and collectability levels from third-party payors for its tests; the company’s level of success in establishing and obtaining the intended benefits from partnerships, joint ventures or other relationships; the company’s compliance with the various evolving and complex laws and regulations applicable to its business and its industry; risks associated with the company’s international operations; the company’s ability to protect its proprietary technology platform; and general industry, economic, political and market conditions. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, forward-looking statements should not be relied on or viewed as predictions of future events.
The forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and the company assumes no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or to changes in expectations, except as otherwise required by law.
The company’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020 and the other reports it files from time to time, including subsequently filed quarterly and current reports, are made available on the company’s website upon their filing with the SEC. These reports contain more information about the company, its business and the risks affecting its business.
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FAQ
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