Bengaluru: Azooka, a Bengaluru based startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Science has unveiled a safe method to store COVID-19 samples at room temp for up to a week.
Azooka Labs, a leading safe fluorophore company with specialization in Molecular Biology products, has launched RNA Wrapr, a molecular transport medium for COVID-19 sample collection, developed as part of the COVID-19 response team from Indian Institute of Science.
The RNA Wrapr inactivates the virus immediately only preserving DNA/RNA content required for RT-PCR tests. The sample tubes can be stored up to 7 days in Room Temperature and transported without dry ice or gel packs. RNA Wrapr is safe to handle even during unexpected accidental spillage or handling errors.
Azooka's RNA Wrapr had been priced at Rs.99 in India, to help the diagnostic centres upgrade from viral transport media (VTM) to molecular transport medium (MTM).
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Alex D Paul, CEO of Azooka Labs in a statement said, "Azooka has actively been a part of the fight against Corona by developing PCR and RT PCR kits with support from Department of Biotechnology and Elevate Karnataka even before the pandemic hit us". He further added, "MTM has ensured safety and security of COVID-19 samples to be stored at Room Temperature for up to seven days".
"Azooka is striving to provide a safer molecular grade transport medium that is at sub Rs. 100. We are appealing to a segment of users, who care about the safety of their frontline health care workers", stated Dr Fatima Benazir, Azooka Labs' Co-founder & CSO.
