Antler-backed Singaporean startup to launch Covid-19 breath tests in Malaysia

Malaysia-based government services provider MyEG Services has signed a deal with National University of Singapore spin-off Breathonix to provide a rapid breath test system for Covid-19 in Malaysia.

Breathonix CEO Zhunan Jia (left) and chief operating officer Fang Du / Photo credit: Breathonix

Following the memorandum of understanding, MyEG will begin applying for regulatory approvals and certifications for the breath test to be made commercially available in the country. MyEG will also be appointed as Breathonix’s exclusive distribution partner to undertake the commercial sale and marketing of its technology in the country.

The breath test was developed in October 2020, achieving over 90% accuracy in a clinical trial involving 180 patients. It also detected the virus with a 95% specificity, which means it could identify those without the disease in 95 out of 100 cases.

According to MyEG, the test can be administered by any trained personnel, even non medically trained professionals.

The breathalyzer test has undergone clinical trials at three locations, including Singapore and Dubai, from June 2020 to April 2021. It has also received provisional authorization from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority.

Breathonix is currently working with Singapore’s Ministry of Health for a deployment trial at Tuas Checkpoint, where incoming travelers will be screened using the rapid breath test system alongside the current compulsory antigen rapid test.