- Seegene is launching a new multiplex PCR test capable of detecting six variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the Delta and Delta Plus variants due to a recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases globally.
- New CE-IVD marked variant screening kit differentiates 10 major COVID-19 variants, including Alpha, Beta, Epsilon and Delta, when used in conjunction with the first The company’s variant screening kit previously launched in March.
SEOUL, South Korea, July 14, 2021 / CNW / – Seegene Inc. (KQ 096530), South Korea’s largest biotechnology company, has announced the launch of a new diagnostic test for variants of SARS-CoV- 2 capable of detecting new variants of the virus, including Delta and Delta Plus, which have become the dominant version of the virus circulating around the world.
On June 30, Seegene announced that it had obtained the CE-IVD mark for its “AllplexMC SARS-CoV-2 Variants II ”, a new line of the company’s variant screening kits capable of detecting the main genetic mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as L452R, W152C, K417T and K417N. In a single reaction, the Variant Test Kit identifies a total of six COVID-19 variants recognized as originating in India, including Delta, Delta Plus, Kappa, Gamma (Brazil), Beta (South Africa) and Epsilon (California). Although the number of new daily infections is growing exponentially, the launch of the new screening solution is expected to play a critical role in monitoring the spread of the Delta and Delta Plus variants, which are largely responsible for the majority of the news. infections.
Earlier this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Delta variant as a “variant of concern” because it is expected to rapidly supplant other variants. Additionally, the emergence of a new mutation on the Delta variant spike protein, known as K417N, has raised worldwide concern as it is known to be more contagious than Delta and that she is resistant to the vaccine. These highly contagious variants have recently become a global threat. In countries like the UK and Indonesia, Delta, which is the dominant strain of the virus, accounts for around 90% of new cases. Additionally, in other countries like the United States, although the variant only accounts for about 20% of infections, that number appears to double every two weeks.
In such circumstances, the introduction of the “AllplexMC SARS-CoV-2 Variants II ”is receiving a lot of attention around the world, as it can screen for Delta and Delta Plus variants, as well as other major variants of the coronavirus. Seegene also stated that it has successfully developed a diagnostic test for research use only, the “AllplexMC SARS-CoV-2 / P681R ”for the precise targeting of the Delta and Delta Plus variants. According to the company, using the two tests together will allow researchers to accurately distinguish the Delta and Delta Plus variants from other genetic mutations.
Although many countries are speeding up their vaccination process, Gavi, the Global Vaccine Alliance stresses the importance of screening for surveillance purposes, saying the Delta Plus variant has been detected during routine screening tests. Seegene maintains that the combined use of its two screening test solutions, including the “AllplexMC SARS-CoV-2 Variants II ”and the“ AllplexMC SARS-CoV-2 Variants I ”, can detect almost all existing COVID-19 variants. Using both screening test solutions allows multiple variants to be detected in a single test. It also simplifies the conventional screening process in which a secondary test is required to identify new variants. In this context, the Seegene variant screening kit is set to become a new “reference standard” helping to prevent new pandemics.
“Increased transmissibility, a short incubation period and a possible reduction in vaccine efficacy are hallmarks of the Delta and Delta Plus variants,” said Min-cheol Lee, chief technology officer at Seegene. I know that Delta variants are of great concern right now. While many specialists and the WHO urge the public and governments to continue to be vigilant, I am confident that our two new diagnostic tests will play a key role in the early detection of different viruses and help prevent the spread. SARS-CoV-2 ”.
Seegene Inc.
Jessica Jiyoung Park
Phone. : + 82-2-2240-6164
Email: [email protected]
US Media Contact:
Kristin Schaeffer
Email: [email protected]
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SOURCE Seegene Inc.
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