A new diagnostic kit, Steadfast H5-HPAI, developed in Singapore for detecting the highly pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza Virus (AIV), has been commercialised and licenced for laboratory use. This significant milestone follows its development in November last year through a collaboration between the Diagnostics Development Hub (DxD Hub), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies.
The Steadfast kit is designed for centralised laboratories, offering rapid and accurate detection of avian influenza viruses within three hours. Its high sensitivity and specificity make it crucial for early outbreak detection and biosecurity response. The kit will be distributed by BioAcumen Global Pte Ltd to national surveillance centres, veterinary clinics, hospitals, and private laboratories across Southeast Asia by December 2025.
Jimmy Toh, Director and Chief Scientist of BioAcumen Global, stated, “Our goal is to make advanced diagnostics more accessible and responsive to real-world needs.” This sentiment was echoed by Dr Weng Ruifen, CEO of DxD Hub, who highlighted the collaboration’s role in bolstering regional preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.
The commercialisation of Steadfast underscores the power of public-private collaboration in accelerating healthcare innovation. With its regional rollout underway, the technology is poised to enhance avian flu surveillance and response throughout Asia, marking a significant step forward in public health protection.
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