Seegene Launches New Multiplex PCR Test Capable of Screening Six SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Seegene, Inc. (Seoul, Korea) has launched a new SARS-CoV-2 variant diagnostic test capable of screening newly emerging virus variants including the Delta and the Delta Plus that have become the dominant version of the virus circulating around the world.

Seegene has received the CE-IVD mark for its Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants II Assay, a new lineup of the company's variant detection kits capable of detecting the key genetic mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants such as L452R, W152C, K417T and K417N. In a single reaction, the variants diagnostic kit identifies a total of six COVID-19 variants that are known to be originated from India such as Delta, Delta Plus, and Kappa, and Gamma (Brazil), Beta (South Africa), and Epsilon (California). While the number of daily new infections is growing exponentially, the launch of the new assay is expected to play an essential role in monitoring the spread of the Delta and Delta Plus variants that have been largely blamed for the bulk of new infections.

The Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants II Assay can screen both Delta and the Delta Plus variant as well as other major COVID-19 variants. Seegene has also developed a research-use-only diagnostic tests, Allplex SARS-CoV-2/P681R Assay, to precisely target the Delta and Delta Plus variants. According to the company, the conjunction use of the two assays will allow researchers to accurately distinguish the Delta and Delta Plus variants from other genetic mutations. According to Seegene, the combination use of its two assays including Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants II Assay and the Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay can screen almost all existing COVID-19 variants. As the two assays can detect multiple variants in a single test, it also streamlines the conventional testing process in which it requires a secondary test to identify new variants.

"An increased transmissibility, short incubation period, and a potential reduction in vaccine efficacy are the characteristics of the Delta and Delta Plus variants," said Min-cheol Lee, Seegene's Chief Technology Officer. "I know that there is currently a lot of concern about the Delta variants. While experts and the WHO are largely cautioning the public and governments to remain watchful, I believe that our latest two diagnostic tests will play a key role in the early detection of different viruses and help prevent the further spread of SARS-CoV-2."