In a startling about-face, Roche (RHHBY) has agreed to release the recipe for a liquid solution that Dutch laboratories need to run a coronavirus test, after initially refusing to do so and causing an outcry among lawmakers and the media in the Netherlands.
A fracas erupted earlier this week due to a shortage of Roche tests, which are used on equipment made by the company. However, testing facilities lack enough of a solution —lysis buffer, which is used to break open cells — but the company balked at making the formula available so that others could produce the solution and run tests.
Most Dutch testing labs work with Roche equipment and depend on the company for supplies. But due to special deals known as a “vendor lock-in,” they are not able to turn to alternative sources to stock up on essential items. The shortage of the solution is one reason why the Netherlands is not carrying out mass testing, according to the Dutch media.
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