Seegene develops world first COVID-19 variant test capable of identifying origins of virus variants

February 4, 2021
Press Release

SEEGENE LAUNCHES FIRST MULTIPLEX TEST TO IDENTIFY COVID-19 MUTANTS
THE MANUFACTURER OF COVID-19 TESTS CONTINUOUSLY FOLLOWS THE SPREAD OF THE VARIANTS
THE KOREAN COMPANY UNDERTAKES TO COOPERATE WITH GOVERNMENTS

SEOUL , South Korea, Feb. 4, 2021 / PRNewswire / – South Korean biotechnology company Seegene (KQ096530) announced Monday that it has developed the world’s first multiplex COVID-19 variant diagnostic test capable of detecting multiple mutations Identify variants of COVID-19 in a single real-time PCR test.

The new variant test from Seegene, the “Allplex ™ SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay”, can detect and differentiate the virus variants, including those that are considered to be more contagious and deadly.

The new variant test not only detects COVID-19, but can also identify the main genetic variants originating in the UK, South Africa and other regions such as Japan and Brazil. This is done, among other things, with the multiplex real-time PCR method mTOCE ™, a cutting-edge technology that is only available to Seegene.

This enables precise detection and differentiation of the coronavirus and its mutated variants in one reaction.

Another important differentiating feature of Seegene’s technology is the endogenous internal control, which can be used to verify the entire test process, including correct sampling.

With its big data auto surveillance in silico system, Seegene tracks and analyzes the global information on COVID-19 and its variants in a database and can thus react quickly with product development.

Currently, governments and health authorities around the world are forced to rely on sequencing individual samples. This method is not suitable for filtering out virus variants from positive COVID-19 cases in mass tests. An official from Seegene explains that the “new diagnostic COVID-19 variant test will significantly increase the possibilities for mass testing in the fight against the global spread of mutated viruses. This is especially important as time is of the essence to contain the spread of the pandemic. “

PCR tests or rapid antigen / antibody tests are currently used for diagnostics. This can be used to prove a COVID-19 infection or the presence of antibodies. However, these diagnostic methods are not able to identify virus variants. As a result, effective epidemic prevention is only possible to a limited extent. Although the variants can be examined and identified with the PCR method, unlike the new variant test from Seegene, this is not possible in a real-time PCR reaction.

According to the company spokesman, Seegene plans to “deliver its COVID-19 variant tests primarily to global organizations and governments.”

The spokesman added that the company will continue its work to “fulfill its duty as a leading global molecular diagnostics company by working closely with health authorities around the world.”

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1357790/Seegene_logo_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Seegene Inc.