The GeneXpert diagnostic testing technology from the US corporation Cepheid, and its parent company Danaher, has revolutionised rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases, since entering the market in 2010. Yet, due to the high cost of the GeneXpert test cartridges, many countries are not able to scale up testing for all people who need lifesaving diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Leena Menghaney outlines why the leaked TRIPS Waiver doesn't go anywhere near far enough in terms of addressing the development of COVID-19 treatments, vaccines and diagnostics.