FDA approves 2 self-test antigen kits

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration has approved two self-administered COVID-19 antigen test kits, officer-in-charge Oscar Gutierrez said Monday.

In President Rodrigo Duterte's Talk to the People briefing, Gutierrez said these two antigen self-test kits were from Abbott and Labnovation Technologies, Inc.

He said Abbott's Panbio COVID-19 antigen self-test and Labnovation's SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test self-test for home use have already received special certification from the FDA.

Gutierrez said a total of 86 antigen test kits have been so far removed from the market.

"Hindi nila na-meet ang RITM performance validation habang mayron silang special certification o 'di kaya 'di po sila rehistrado, authorized o kaya sinurernder ng special certification holder 'yong kanilang certification," he said.

"Marami po talaga ditong natanggal sa market dahil 'di po sila pumasa sa standard ng FDA," he added.

Further, Gutierrez said self-testing is only one of the measures to protect oneself and others against the virus. He still urged the public to get vaccinated and follow minimum health protocols.

He also urged the public to only buy FDA-certified self-test kits from FDA-licensed drug outlets. — BM, GMA News