 Leveraging GenMarks eSensor XT-8 platform to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capacityCARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 17, 2020 GLOBE NEWSWIRE -- GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. NASDAQ: GNMK, a leading provider of automated, multiplex molecular diagnostic testing systems, announced that it has notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA of the intent to commercially distribute the eSensor SARS-CoV-2 Test for clinical use. The company has also submitted an Emergency Use Authorization EUA to the FDA for its eSensor SARS-CoV-2 Test. The eSensor SARS-CoV-2 test utilizes the design principles of GenMarks eSensor Respiratory Viral Panel RVP, which has been recognized as one of the most sensitive RVP assays available1. The eSensor SARS-CoV-2 Test consists of PCR amplification and detection reagents and eSensor SARS-CoV-2 test cartridges which run on GenMarks XT-8 System. The XT-8 is GenMarks legacy multiplex molecular diagnostic system.We developed this product and submitted the EUA to leverage our available eSensor test capacity and XT-8 installed base to further help with addressing COVID-19 testing demands, said Scott Mendel, President and CEO of GenMark. The COVID-19 testing approach for some institutions is better aligned to large batch-based testing for which the eSensor XT-8 workflow is well suited. This provides our over 100 customers still using the eSensor XT-8 system an opportunity to expand their COVID-19 testing capabilities.The eSensor SARS-CoV-2 Test can provide results for 96 samples in 5 hours. Core labs in the hospital and reference labs have the expertise, equipment and workflow to accommodate 96-well plate processing of clinical specimens and with four batched runs can process 384 specimens per day.Upon completion of the FDA notification process, GenMarks eSensor SARS-CoV-2 Test is commercially available while under EUA review by the FDA. GenMark earlier this year announced the launch of its ePlex SARS-CoV-2 Test and the ePlex Respiratory Pathogen Panel 2 RP2, which detects 21 pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, both of which run on the Companys sample-to-answer ePlex System.About Emergency Use Authorization Status The GenMark eSensor SARS-CoV-2 Test will be made available under an emergency access mechanism called an Emergency Use Authorization EUA. The EUA is supported by the Secretary of Health and Human Services HHSs declaration that circumstances exist to justify the use of in vitro diagnostics IVDs under EUA for the detection andor diagnosis of COVID-19. An IVD made available under an EUA has not undergone the same type of review as an FDA cleared IVD. However, based on the totality of scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that this IVD may be effective in the detection of COVID-19. The EUA for this test is in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, unless terminated or revoked after which the test may no longer be used. An FDA cleared IVD should be used instead of an IVD under EUA, when applicable and available.About GenMark Diagnostics GenMark Diagnostics NASDAQ: GNMK is a leading provider of multiplex molecular diagnostic solutions designed to enhance patient care, improve key quality metrics, and reduce the total cost-of-care. Utilizing GenMarks proprietary eSensor detection technology, GenMarks XT-8 and ePlex systems are designed to support a broad range of molecular diagnostic tests with compact, easy-to-use workstations and self-contained, disposable test cartridges. GenMarks ePlex System: The True Sample-to-Answer SolutionTM is designed to optimize laboratory efficiency and address a broad range of infectious disease testing needs, including respiratory, bloodstream and gastrointestinal infections. For more information, visit Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding events, trends and business prospects, which may affect our future operating results and financial position. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results and financial position to differ materially. Some of these risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully obtain full IVD clearance of our ePlex and XT-8 EUA tests from the FDA and demonstrate their clinical performance and utility, the continued progression of the associated public health emergency and associated diagnostic testing demand, our ability to satisfy the supply demands of our customers, and other risks and uncertainties described under the Risk Factors in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events, trends or circumstances after the date they are made.Investor Relations Contact Leigh Salvo 415 937-5404 Popowitch, E.B, ONeill, S.S., Miller, M.B. Comparison of Four Multiplex Assays for the Detection of Respiratory Viruses: Biofire FilmArray RP, GenMark eSensor RVP, Luminex xTAG RVPv1 and Luminex xTAG RVP FAST. J. Clin. Microbiol. 13 March 2013, doi: 10.1128JCM.03368-12. 