A Richmond biotechnology firm is helping the Netherlands in its fight against HIV by recently launching the company’s advanced HIV home test kit there.
Biolytical Laboratories, at 13351 Commerce Parkway in north east Richmond, is a world leader in HIV testing. The company’s INSTI HIV test was licensed by Health Canada in 2006; to date, 13 million tests have been shipped to 59 countries across the world.
This INSTI HIV self-test kit launched in the Netherlands allows users to test HIV with one drop of blood and to get the result instantly with a greater than 99 per cent accuracy rate. People there can purchase the kit for $29.95 (CD$44.72) from a pharmacy and conduct an HIV test at home.
“We want to break down the stigma around HIV by normalizing HIV testing, providing access to a very simple yet highly accurate test, so consumers can test themselves without having to make an appointment at a laboratory, hospital or clinic,” said Livleen Veslemes, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Biolytical Laboratories.
Some countries in Europe, such as the UK, have launched self-test kit already, but The Netherlands is the first country in Europe to put the kit on the shelf in pharmacies so people can purchase it without asking a pharmacist, according to Veslemes.
“The Netherlands is a very progressive country, trying to eradicate HIV and end the fight with HIV and AIDS. Just like purchasing a pregnancy test, you can now purchase an HIV test,” said Veslemes.
The INSTI DIY kit can test HIV within 60 seconds, which makes it the fastest HIV test in the world. Users prick a finger and collect a drop of blood, put the blood into a bottle, shake it, pour it over the test device, mix it with resolutions, and get an instant result.
Other HIV testing products require a 15 to 20 minutes wait after the test is conducted for a result to be produced. And it takes several days or weeks in the case of laboratory tests.
“Every time we demonstrate INSTI, people are amazed at how quickly they can get the result. A big problem is the anxiety while waiting,” said Veslemes.
She adds that some people conduct the test in the washroom, in the kitchen, in their car, or somewhere they can’t stay for very long. Being able to get the result on the spot greatly increases the convenience of the test.
“It also makes it more efficient for health care professionals to test more people. They can test one person after the other without waiting.”
Biolytical Laboratories hopes that their test kit can reach as many people in the world as possible. “People get tested, then they can get treated if needed,” said Veslemes. HIV is now highly treatable and those with the virus often go on to live a long and healthy life.
The biggest barrier to expanding the availability of the kits is red tape. “Many years ago there were controversies around DIY pregnancy tests. There were questions like if we should give women and families the right to be the first one to know they are pregnant.
“We have found very similar questions come up with HIV self-testing. What will happen if people find themselves to be positive? Some countries are more conservative and are waiting for other countries to be the first.”
Veslemes said the company is working on making INSTI HIV test available and accessible to more people in the world. She hopes that one day HIV self-testing will be ubiquitous. “HIV testing is the foundation of the fight against the disease.”
