Abbott launches COVID-19 test that focuses on antibodies

Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it is launching a third COVID-19 test, this time focusing on antibodies the company said could support the development of treatments and vaccines.

The lab-based blood test detects the IgG antibody, which could identify if a person previously had the COVID-19 virus, the North Chicago-based company said in a statement. Antibody testing of someone who has been previously infected could provide more understanding of the virus, including how long antibodies stay in the body and if they provide immunity, officials said.

The new test adds to the company's portfolio of COVID-19 tests, which also includes its m2000 molecular laboratory system and its portable ID NOW quick test device.

Abbott plans to immediately ship close to 1 million antibody tests in the U.S. this week, and a goal to ship 4 million tests in April. The company is ramping up its production capability to produce 20 million tests in the U.S. in June.

Officials say the shipments will fall under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's notification without an Emergency Use Authorization that was established to deal with the pandemic. Abbott plans to file an Emergency Use Authorization submission, as well as a similar authorization with the European Union for shipment to that continent.

"We continue to contribute in a significant and meaningful way by providing new solutions across our diagnostics testing platforms," said Abbott President and Chief Executive Officer Robert B. Ford.

Abbott's portable COVID-19 test kits, which can give a positive reading in five minutes, began shipping April 1 after receiving the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization.