Among the defining achievements of SG60 is Singapore’s transformation into a global health innovator. The latest chapter arrived in May 2025, when Singapore’s technology—originally designed to respond faster to pandemics—became a global tool in viral defence.
A Made-in-Singapore Test Reaching Over 90 Countries
Developed by Duke‑NUS Medical School and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, the newly launched multiplex surrogate virus neutralisation test (sVNT) detects neutralising antibodies for multiple viruses—including SARS‑CoV‑2, Ebola, and Nipah.
Variously branded as a “fight against Disease X,” this toolkit for future pandemics is now deployed in more than 90 countries, underscoring Singapore’s role as a global health innovator.
Neutralising Antibodies: A Real Measure of Immunity
Neutralising antibodies bind directly to viruses and block infection—which is a far more meaningful metric than simply detecting any binding antibodies. According to Prof Wang Linfa (Duke‑NUS):
“Neutralising antibodies are a functional measure of your immunity. So if you have a high level, you will most likely be protected against future infection.”
Safe, Scalable, and Ready for the Next Outbreak
Unlike live-virus tests that need stringent lab conditions, this sVNT relies on spike protein technology, making it safer, faster, and deployable worldwide.
It has already acquired Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approval domestically and is poised for international regulatory acceptance in the coming months.
Impact Beyond COVID-19
This Singaporean innovation helps:
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Evaluate vaccine efficacy across multiple viral threats
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Guide global vaccine updates (e.g., variants of Ebola, Nipah)
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Track immunity in populations, aiding public health response
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Even support zoonotic surveillance, like SARS‑CoV‑2 in deer
SG60 Vision in Action
This isn’t just science—it’s a statement of who we are after 60 years: a nation of problem-solvers, ready to protect the world’s health.
The sVNT showcases our commitment to innovation, not just in labs—but in real-world impact. As part of SG60, this test reminds us that the tools of tomorrow are invented today, in Singapore.
