Saliva tests are currently being produced on a large scale in Huningue, in the Haut-Rhin. It’s here Firalis company which is responsible for this production, in 400 square meters of brand new premises. Firalis, installed since thirteen years in Huningue, is specialized in biotechnologies. The company employs around fifty people.
Faster tests, but not yet deployed on a large scale in France
The saliva test, called the EasyCov test, was designed by researchers from the CNRS in Montpellier and the company SkillCell. A faster test, the result of which is in less than an hour (40 minutes), less expensive and less “unpleasant” than the PCR test, suggest the designers. It is already used in more than 20 countries in the world. In France, it is for the moment validated by the Haute Autorité de Santé, but the government is not giving the green light for a large-scale deployment and instead recommends PCR testing. According to the authorities, there is a need for further studies on the reliability of saliva tests.
– Guillaume Chhum
For Hueseyin Firat, the president of Firalis, “The saliva test is easy to get. You don’t need a healthcare professional to take a nose sample. This is much easier.” Alexandra Prieux, CEO of SkillCell, partner of Firalis, also insists on the ease of this screening: “It is enough not to eat half an hour before the test. We take four drops of saliva under the mouth and for the patient it is finished”.
Generalization of saliva tests in high schools in the Grand Est?
Despite the government’s caution on saliva testing, the president of the Grand Est region, Jean Rottner wants to be more pragmatic.“We need a massive deployment in high schools, universities. Tomorrow, in places of culture or concerts which will reopen. This test is much earlier than the PCR tests, it is an asset which France cannot be pass,” argues the former mayor of Mulhouse.
In Huningue, the Firalis site can manufacture one million tests per month.
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