The Covid-19 detection tool made by UGM experts, GeNose, finally has a distribution permit and is ready to be marketed. GeNose development team leader, Prof. Kuwat Triyana, said that the GeNose distribution permit from the Ministry of Health was issued on Thursday (24/12).
“Alhamdulillah, thanks to the prayers and extraordinary support from many parties, GeNose C19 has officially received a distribution permit (KEMENKES RI AKD 20401022883) to be recognized by the Ministry of Health, in assisting the handling of Covid-19 through rapid screening,” Kuwat said on Saturday (26/12).
According to Kuwat, after the distribution permit is obtained, the team will hand over the GeNose C19 from the mass production of the first batch funded by BIN and Kemenristek/BRIN for distribution. They hope that despite the limited number of GeNose C19, it can provide maximum impact.
“With the first 100 units of the batch to be released, we hope to carry out 120 tests per device or a total of 12 thousand people a day. The number of 120 tests per device is based on the estimation that each test takes 3 minutes, including taking a breath so that one hour can test 20 people. If the device is effective, it will work for 6 hours,” he explained.
It can be realized, said Kuwat, if the distribution of the GeNose C19 is carried out on target. For example, at airports, train stations, and other crowded places, including hospitals and BNPB, which can be mobile to approach the suspect Covid-19. However, at this stage, it is not possible to procure the GeNose C19 for personal use.
Kuwat also confirmed that after obtaining the marketing authorization, the GeNose C19 would soon be mass-produced. The team hopes that if there are 1,000 units in the future it will be able to test as many as 120 thousand people a day, and if there are 10 thousand units (according to the target at the end of February 2021) then Indonesia will show the largest number of Covid-19 tests per day in the world, which is 1.2 million people per day.
“Of course, it is not just number that we all hope for, but the ability to test that much is expected to detect people infected with COVID-19 without symptoms (OTG) and immediately take isolation or treatment measures so that the chain of Covid-19 spread can be immediately stopped” said Kuwat.
Five consortium industries have committed to support to realize this plan, namely PT. Yogya Precision Tehnikatama Industri (mechanical part), PT. Hikari Solusindo Sukses (electronics and sensors), PT. Stechoq Robotics Indonesia (pneumatics), PT. Nanosense Instrument Indonesia (artificial intelligence, electronics, and after-sales), and PT. Swayasa Prakarsa (assembly, licensing, standards, QC/QA, business).
He explained that later the test fee with the GeNose C19 was relatively cheap, only around IDR 15-25 thousand. The test results are also very fast, about 2 minutes, and do not require reagents or other chemicals. In addition, taking a test sample in the form of exhalation is also more comfortable than a swab.
Representing the team, Kuwat also expressed his appreciation to all parties who helped develop GeNose C19, namely the Ministry of State Secretariat, BIN, Ministry of Research and Technology/BRIN/LPDP, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Indonesian Army and Police.
In addition, also to 8 diagnostic test partner hospitals (Dr Sardjito Hospital, Hardjolukito RSPAU Yogyakarta, Bhayangkara Tk III Hospital Polda DI Yogyakarta, RSLKC Bambanglipuro Bantul, RST Dr. Soedjono Magelang, Bhayangkara Tk I Hospital Raden Said Soekanto Jakarta, UGM Academic Hospital , and RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang), as well as to the Ministry of Health’s clinical trial review team for providing critical and constructive input.
Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Alumni UGM, Prof. Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M., said that the ready-to-market GeNose shows UGM’s contribution to dealing with the pandemic and keeping the economy running while still implementing health protocols. In addition, it also demonstrates the running of strategic partnerships and cooperation between universities, government, industry, and the community.
“It is a good work as well as the realization of the UGM Science Techno Park as a bridge between university and industry as well as a research place for lecturers and students,” said Paripurna.
Paripurna also appreciated the attention of many parties to GeNose development, such as the Chair and members of the Board of Trustees, the Minister of Public Works and Housing, the Minister of Transportation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, BIN, Research and Technology, and other partners.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/20551-genose-ugm-dapatkan-izin-edar-dan-siap-dipasarkan
