A blood test created by Bedford, Ma.-based Hologic is now the third diagnostic kit to be authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use in combating the spread of Zika virus, though the test has yet to be approved for general use.
Diagnostic tests created by Cypress, Calif.-based Focus Diagnostics and Hamburg, Germany-based Altona Diagnostics have already been authorized for emergency use by the FDA.
While Hologic's Aptima Zika Virus test is not approved by the FDA, the agency says it may be used as long as Zika is still considered a public health emergency.
The FDA intends for the authorization of this third diagnostic test to expand the number of labs that can test for Zika. The test will be available for use in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Puerto Rico.
After news of the authorization, Hologic's stock rose 1.75 percent to $34.40 a share, boosting the company's market valuation by almost $165 million.
More articles on supply chain:
FDA finalizes symbols for device labels
FDA approves Lannett's antibiotic
Boston Scientific tacks on new warnings to controversial surgical mesh devices