What happened
Shares of Sorrento Therapeutics (SRNE.Q 33.33%) rose on Friday, furthering the biopharmaceutical company's gains since it disclosed a licensing deal for an innovative new COVID-19 test. By the close of trading, Sorrento's stock was up 4.3% after rising as much as 23.3% earlier in the day.
So what
Sorrento announced on Wednesday that it signed a licensing agreement with Columbia University for the rights to a rapid diagnostic test that detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus in as little as 30 minutes. Unlike other tests that require uncomfortable nasal swabs, the new test uses easier to obtain saliva samples.
Sorrento Therapeutics' new COVID-19 test helped to drive its stock higher in recent days. Image source: Getty Images.
Moreover, Sorrento and Columbia's test requires no specialized laboratory equipment, which could make it easier to deploy in a wide range of settings. Potential examples include airports, hotels, and sporting events, as well as at-home testing.
Now what
Sorrento CEO Dr. Henry Ji said the company will "move rapidly" to submit an emergency use authorization request to the FDA. Sorrento will also take steps to boost its production capabilities.
Sorrento believes the new test, called COVI-TRACE, could help to boost the availability of COVID-19 diagnostic tests in the U.S. and reduce turnaround times.
"Testing for SARS-CoV-2 needs to be fast, frequent, and far-reaching," said Dr. Zev Williams, associate professor at Columbia University. "We are delighted to work with Sorrento Therapeutics in the hope that COVI-TRACE may be scaled and deployed in the U.S. and around the world to combat the spread of COVID-19."
