Bengaluru based startup Azooka Labs, a leading safe fluorophore company with specialisation in Molecular Biology products, reveals its first range of novel COVID-19 diagnostics products. RNA Wrapr is a molecular transport medium for COVID-19 sample collection, developed as part of the COVID-19 response team from Indian Institute of Science.

RNA Wrapr inactivates the virus immediately only preserving DNA/RNA content required for RT-PCR tests. The sample tubes can be stored up to 7 days in room temperature and transported without dry ice or gel packs. RNA Wrapr is safe to handle even during unexpected accidental spillage or handling errors. Developing countries can collect samples in centres without BSL2 or BSL3 certifications.

Azooka's RNA Wrapr is priced at Rs 99 in India, aligned with the price of one litre of petrol, to help the diagnostic centres upgrade from VTM to MTM. Azooka plans to enter the APAC market through partners with $9 and $6 pricing plans per test.

"Azooka has actively been a part of the fight against COVID by developing PCR and RT PCR kits with support from Dept of Biotechnology and Elevate Karnataka even before the pandemic hit us" quoted Alex D Paul, CEO, Azooka Labs. He further added, "MTM has ensured safety and security of COVID-19 samples to be stored at Room Temperature for up to seven days".

"Azooka is the only startup from India working to replace Carcinogenic and Mutagenic SYBR dyes widely used in RUO and Diagnostics reagents. Safety and cost savings needed for COVID crisis management today are the highlights of Azooka's MTM" said Dr C V Natraj, former SVP, Corporate Research, Unilever plc.

"Azooka is striving to provide a safer molecular grade transport medium that is at sub Rs 100. We are appealing to a segment of users, who care about the safety of their frontline healthcare workers,” stated Dr Fatima Benazir, Co-founder & CSO, Azooka Labs.