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Fredericton-based LuminUltra Technologies, headed by UNB alumnus Patrick Whalen (BScChE’03), is increasing its production to supply chemicals for essential COVID-19 testing across the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on April 15 that LuminUltra is one of the companies that has signed a contract with the federal government to provide supplies needed in all provinces. Many regions across Canada have faced testing backlogs as they lacked certain chemicals needed to complete tests.

"We responded immediately to the Prime Minister's call to action to join in the fight against this virus by refocusing our team to develop the tests needed for COVID-19," says Mr. Whalen, LuminUltra’s chairman and CEO, in a news release. "By producing and delivering 500,000 tests per week that leverage the existing testing infrastructure, we are essentially providing one test for every Canadian as a crucial step towards defeating the pandemic, protecting Canadians and alleviating the human cost of this disease."

An essential part of slowing the spread of COVID-19 is testing and this partnership will ensure every part of the country has tests available. Efficient and thorough testing needs to be in place before the federal government and public health can loosen restrictions on gatherings and travel.

LuminUltra is recognized internationally as a leader in rapid-results biological testing. The company has the specialized tools and talent needed to produce the tests quickly, accurately and in large quantities. It is well positioned from both a manufacturing and financial perspective to ramp up production to meet this growing demand. Shipment of these tests has already begun, and the pace will continue for the year ahead.

"Our team at LuminUltra is very proud to be able to help Canadians during this incredibly difficult time for our country,” adds Mr. Whalen. “Given our expertise in biological testing for environmental applications it is a natural extension for us to develop a test for COVID-19. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside the team at the Public Health Agency of Canada over the past few weeks, whose tireless work in protecting our country has been an inspiration."

Photo: Patrick Whalen, chairman and CEO of LuminUltra Technologies. Credit: LuminUltra Technologies.