The test effectively checks for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies developed either in response to a Covid-19 infection or to a vaccine will be royalty-free for low- and middle-income nations and will remain valid until the date the last patent expires.

Based on an agreement reached with the Spanish national Research Council (CSIC), the license is aimed at facilitating the rapid manufacture and commercialization of CSIC´s Covid-19 serological test worldwide.

I thank CSIC and Spanish Government, for taking a step forward in solidarity and prioritizing health as a global public good and for offering worldwide access to their technology and know-how, said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

I urge developers of COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics to follow this example and turn the tide on the pandemic and on the devastating global inequity this pandemic has spotlighted.”

Dr. Rosa Menéndez, president of CSIC, emphasized how important it is to seek solutions so that technologies related to the COVID-19 pandemic in particular, and health in general, reach all countries, including those most in need.

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