Activ-Film technology developed by AptarGroup Inc. was selected to protect a new SARS rapid antigen test for COVID-19 that recently received Emergency Use Authorization from FDA. Aptar designs and manufactures a range of drug delivery, consumer product dispensing, and active material solutions. 

The point-of-care QuickVue SARS antigen test was developed by Quidel Corp., a manufacturer of diagnostic healthcare products. The visually read test delivers results in 10 minutes and requires no supplemental instrumentation. It offers expanded access to affordable and accurate COVID-19 testing that will help meet the urgent testing needs of the global economy, including in school systems and rural areas, said Quidel.

Aptar CSP Technologies’ Activ-Film is integrated into the diagnostic kit to protect against moisture and other environmental conditions that could impact test accuracy. Activ-Film leverages Aptar’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer technology, which provides a broad spectrum of custom-engineered protection in a variety of configurations, such as Activ-Vial for housing diagnostic dipsticks and Activ-Tab integrated within diagnostic cassettes. This material science–based active packaging technology is currently used to protect a range of electrochemical, lateral flow, and molecular diagnostic test kits on the market today, said Aptar.

“We are pleased to partner with Quidel Corp. on this critical diagnostic tool and help bring the QuickVue SARS rapid antigen test to the market,” said Stephan B. Tanda, Aptar President and CEO. “Our material science Activ-Film technology protects the test strips, helping to provide quick, reliable results to patients, their families, and healthcare workers. We will continue to live up to our purpose and responsibility to society by providing solutions that protect critical COVID-19 diagnostic kits, along with dispensing solutions for medicines and consumer products needed by millions of people each day.” 

“As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, this game-changing solution will help meet the urgent demand for COVID-19 testing in communities around the world,” added Badre Hammond, Vice President Commercial Operations, Aptar CSP Technologies. “We are committed to leveraging our material-science expertise to enable our partners to meet the ongoing need for innovative healthcare solutions that help improve and save lives.”

Aptar is headquartered in Crystal Lake, IL, and employs 13,000 people in 20 countries.