Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup October 13, 2020

FDA News Release

• For Immediate Release: October 13, 2020

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continued to take action in the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Today, the FDA issued and immediately implemented a new guidance: Enforcement Policy for Modifications to FDA-Cleared Molecular Influenza and RSV Tests During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency. Many molecular influenza (flu) viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) tests require the same critical components as many SARS-CoV-2 molecular assays. The policy outlined in this guidance aims to help expand access to certain FDA-cleared molecular tests intended for detection and identification of flu viruses, including molecular influenza tests that also detect and identify RSV.
• Testing updates:
  • As of today, 279 tests are authorized by FDA under EUAs; these include 217 molecular tests, 56 antibody tests, and 6 antigen tests.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.