Pluslife Biotech CEO, Mr. Chen, Shared Insights into Molecular POCT Empowering Global Primary Healthcare at Pujiang Innovation Forum

From September 9th to 11th, 2023, the 16th Pujiang Innovation Forum took place in Shanghai, China. Mr. CHEN Chong, the CEO of Pluslife Biotech, spoke on the panel titled “New Applications and Markets for Innovative Technologies Accelerating Global Health and Development” and shared insights into how molecular Point-of-Care diagnostics empower global primary healthcare.

The Pujiang Innovation Forum, co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has evolved into an international sci-tech power center for release of critical signals and in-depth discussion on key topics of global science and technology innovation. This year, the Forum focused on the theme of "Open Innovation Ecosystem: Innovation for Global Connectivity", with the objective of accelerating the global application of innovative technologies and improving the health and well-being of humanity, particularly the vulnerable populations in LMICs.

As a keynote speaker on the topic "Empowering Primary Healthcare: Innovative Molecular POCT Technology & Platform", Mr. CHEN Chong pointed out that the current challenges in primary healthcare testing include three aspects: too costly to centralize PCR, low sensitivity antigen tests with high false negative rate, and shortage of resources and skillful personnel. The lack of effective testing in primary healthcare of LMICs is not only a matter of local health but also has far-reaching consequences for economies, societies, and global health security.

“To deal with these problems, Pluslife Biotech has developed an innovative molecular POCT platform fulfilling WHO’s ASSURED criteria,” Mr. CHEN Chong mentioned, “By utilizing this platform, we can carry out molecular tests in small clinics and remote areas. One of the unique examples is on a small island in the Atlantic Ocean, 3000 kilometers away from the mainland, where Pluslife provided nearly 1000 tests for over 200 island residents, effectively enhancing the diagnostic capabilities of local clinics.”

The importance of true molecular POCT in primary healthcare testing was further highlighted at the forum. True molecular POCT should be readily deployable, intuitive and easy to use, as Mr. CHEN Chong stressed, "We have designed a portable power bank that perfectly complements the simple palm-sized Pluslife Mini Dock, making it an ideal solution for use in resources-limited settings, where there may be a lack of electricity or an unreliable network supply." 

Pluslife Biotech is actively contributing to global primary healthcare by continually advancing innovative molecular POCT technology and fostering strong partnerships with international NGOs. While molecular POCT can be effectively decentralized in primary healthcare settings, our commitment extends to aligning with WHO’s strategy and participating in the fight against infectious diseases of heavy burdens in LMICs.