Seegene has developed the world's first COVID-19 variant test to identify the origin of virus variants
Monday, April 19, 2021
South Korean biotechnology company Seegene announced Monday that it has developed the world's first diagnostic COVID-19 variant test to screen for COVID-19 and identify multiple mutated variants in a single reaction.
Seegenen's new Allplex ™ SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay variant can detect and differentiate viral variants, including those that have been found to be more contagious and fatal.
In addition to COVID-19, the new transformation test detects significant genetic modifications from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other countries such as Japan and Brazil.
In addition, it can pre-screen a new suspicious variant, which provides additional information about other variants. This is one of the key features of Seegene technology.
Seegene’s new product combines at least ten of its own technologies, including the real-time mTOCE ™ amplification PCR method, a state-of-the-art technology that only Seegene can take advantage of. This innovative technique allows the assay to detect the site-specific site where the mutation has occurred, allowing accurate detection and separation of the coronavirus and its mutated variants with a single reagent tube.
Another feature that leverages Seegene’s unique technology is endogenous internal control to ensure the entire testing process, including proper sampling.
Utilizing Seegene’s automated mass data monitoring in silico system, the company closely monitors and analyzes the global database of COVID-19 virus and its variants so that it can respond quickly to the situation through product development.
Currently, governments and health authorities around the world have to resort to sequencing individual samples, but the method is not suitable for large-scale testing and filtering of virus variants from COVID-19-positive cases. A Seegenen official said that "the new diagnostic COVID-19 variant test will significantly increase testing opportunities in the fight against the global spread of mutated viruses, when time is a key factor in managing a pandemic."
Current diagnostics are based on a PCR test or a rapid antigen / antibody test to diagnose COVID-19 infection or the presence of antibodies. But current diagnostic methods have limitations in screening for viral variants, which slows down the effective management of the epidemic. Only the PCR method can screen and identify transformations, but this was not possible with a single reagent tube until Seegene's new transformation test.
According to a company official, it is "a priority for Seegene to deliver its COVID-19 conversion test to global organizations and governments."
