(Sharecast News) - Home health test developer MyHealthChecked announced on Thursday that it has signed an agreement with Boots UK - a division of Walgreens Boots Alliance - to introduce an expanded range of at-home self-testing products into Boots chemists.
The AIM-traded firm said the agreement, facilitated through MyHealthChecked's subsidiary Concepta Diagnostics, would make the tests available for purchase online and across Boots stores in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Scheduled to be launched in May, the extended range would consist of 14 distinct test panels, including two blood and urine sample kits, seven blood prick sample kits, and five DNA cheek swab kits.
The tests would cater to various applications including assessing thyroid function, identifying food intolerances and sensitivities, and determining vitamin profiles.
Initially, the tests would be introduced online, with selected kits subsequently made available across around 120 Boots stores in the UK.
Once the samples are collected, they would be sent to an accredited laboratory for testing, and a GP would verify the blood and urine results and offer guidance on any necessary actions for the patient.
The agreement between MyHealthChecked and Boots was non-exclusive, and had an initial term of 12 months starting from 17 May.
In addition to the 14 tests covered by the agreement, MyHealthChecked would also launch an additional six lateral flow tests, which could be conducted at home without the need to send a sample to a laboratory.
The test results would be provided on the lateral flow device itself, and the products would be available for purchase online and in more than 800 stores.
"We are delighted to be working with Boots with the launch of our extended portfolio of at-home tests online and in stores, whilst demonstrating execution of the next stage of our strategic plan," said chief executive officer Penny McCormick.
"Our tests reflect a change in consumer needs as we see more customers take their health into their own hands.
"Following the launch of our extended product portfolio, our focus will turn towards ongoing customer guidance as we self-fund our investment in the evolution of our technology platform."
At 1359 BST, shares in MyHealthChecked were up 20.45% at 26.5p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Myhlth Chck (MHC)