The Lithuanian Biotechnology Association has been actively involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. In 2020 March 15 when quarantine was announced in Lithuania, the Lithuanian biotechnology community started to cooperate about measures that could stop the spread of the virus across Lithuania. Moreover, LBTA successfully integrated to community and inter-institutional communication, during the quarantine cooperated with Enterprise Lithuania, National public health surveillance laboratory and other institutions. In addition, LBTA formed a reserve of qualified specialists, who have qualifications to perform COVID-19 testing. About 300 specialists registered to execute virus RNR extraction and identification by using the PCR method.
The contribution of LBTA members during this pandemic was evident. Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics promptly joined and agreed with the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on the supply of test components required for the detection of COVID-19 virus, when buying it from foreign companies was such a challenge. During this period, Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (LSC) opened Diagnostic laboratory and contributed to faster and more operative COVID-19 virus detection for people, as well as reduced other laboratories load so patients could get their results much faster than usual. Scientists of LSC prepared a overview about the COVID-19 virus and pandemic control options. Meanwhile, Vytautas Magnus University became involved in the analysis of economic consequences that happened during the pandemic period. Some companies also participated by applying Agency of Science, Technology and Innovation open Call „Life-Saving Innovations: Stop COVID-19”, to develop solutions for pandemic.
LBTA by using its international network has made connections with Francis Crick Institute in Great Britain, which manages CRICK COVID-19 consortium. Moreover, institute had contact with LBTA member – ,,Roquette Amilina”. Scientists of this company successfully contributed to the possibility of testing samples in Republican Panevezys hospital. Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ,, Roquette Amilina” handed over equipment which was used for COVID-19 detection purposes.
