AdvaMed Says COVID-19 Test Manufacturing Must Be Beefed Up

The device trade association AdvaMed has issued an urgent call for more federal funding to produce COVID-19 diagnostic tests because the administration announced that its efforts would have to be scaled back unless Congress appropriates more money.

“Should we face another wave of cases, we must be prepared to meet the needs of patients and public health, and we cannot do that without firm public-private commitments in place with test manufacturers,” said AdvaMed President and CEO Scott Whitaker.

Among other measures, the association wants the federal government to partner with the device industry for “warm base manufacturing” arrangements.  A warm base refers to facilities that would be constructed and commissioned, ready to quickly manufacture products on demand.