Eurofins Launches New Multiplex PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of B.1.617 Kappa SARS-CoV-2 Variant

Eurofins Technologies (Ebersberg, Germany) has launched its GSD NovaType III SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay, developed for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern including B.1.617 (India), B.1.427/B.1.429 (California/USA), B.1.351 (South Africa) or P.1 (Brazil).

The assay facilitates the identification of the relevant mutations E484Q, E484K and L452R in one reaction combined with the simultaneous discrimination from the S gene E484 wildtype variant. These mutations have been associated with reports of potential decreased efficacy of certain vaccines and an increase in the transmissibility of the virus.

GSD NovaType III SARS-CoV-2 is the latest addition to the GSD NovaType product line, a continuously updated panel of single and multiplex assays for the screening and detection of emerging Variants of Concern (VOC) and of Interest (VOI) on positive samples. These assays may play an important role in the fight against COVID-19 by enabling the rapid identification of new variants that may endanger the success of global vaccination campaigns and the implementation of enhanced isolation, testing and vaccination measures in affected areas. GSD NovaType III SARS-CoV-2 will be available as a research-use-only kit by the June 9. A CE marked version is expected by the second half of June.