Second Batch of Raw Materials for Test Production to Arrive in Armenia

Armenia is expecting the second batch of raw materials to start its own production of coronavirus diagnostic tests. It is anticipated that the batch will arrive in Armenia by mid-May, and the Molecular Biology Institute is ready to commence production the very next day.

In an interview with Armenpress, Arsen Arakelyan, the director of the Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and a candidate of biological sciences, stated: "Some of the reagents are already in Armenia, and some are expected to arrive in May. Once they reach Armenia, we will begin the testing and production the very next day."

According to preliminary agreements, the institute is set to produce 100,000 tests. He assured that if there is a need, they also have the capacity to produce more. Arakelyan found it difficult to specify how long the work would take to complete but noted that it should not take too long, particularly when production begins.

"The production is not very complicated; the number of people involved can vary — 5, 10, or 20 — depending on the volume of tests to be produced daily," the director explained.

It will be clear how much money will be spent on the production of one test after production starts. Regarding the potential for export, Arakelyan mentioned that there is potential but could not confirm whether it would come to fruition.

The funds allocated by the government were mainly designated for raw materials. The government itself is also managing the acquisition of achievements. From the executive, it was informed that the raw materials will be coming to Armenia from China and will arrive in mid-May, although an exact date has not yet been established.

The Armenian government allocated $550,000 to the Molecular Biology Institute for the establishment of coronavirus diagnostic test production in Armenia. On April 16, it was announced that 100,000 test reagents imported from China would be handed over to the institute. Until now, Armenia has been importing coronavirus diagnostic tests.

Source: Armenpress.