Investigation launched into coronavirus test claims by Australian firm run by convicted rapist

Exclusive: Therapeutic Goods Administration investigates Neran de Silva firm Promedical over claims it has approval for rapid test kit

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Health authorities have launched an investigation into an Australian company's attempts to sell large quantities of unsanctioned coronavirus test kits, after it falsely claimed its tests had been approved by medical regulators.

Promedical Equipment Pty Ltd, a company that sells cryogenic treatment and erectile dysfunction machines, made headlines last month when it announced it had "obtained TGA go-ahead" to supply 5m rapid Covid-19 antibody test kits to Australian hospitals and labs every week.