Biomérieux Molecular Tests Amplify and Detect SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant

bioMérieux (Marcy-l'Étoile, France) has performed an analysis that confirms its BIOFIRE and ARGENE molecular tests efficiently amplify and detect SARS-CoV-2 infection with Omicron variant with an unchanged performance.

Since the beginning of the pandemic bioMérieux's research and development teams have closely monitored the emergence of each variants of concern and systematically conducted in-depth in silico internal analyses. From the early onset of the pandemic, bioMérieux has been committed to meeting the COVID-19 public health challenge. The company keeps following the evolution of the pandemic and the scientific knowledge about the virus with the utmost attention and continuously works to anticipate developments in diagnostic tests that will meet future public health needs.

Image: BioFire Respiratory 2.1 (RP2.1) Panel (Photo courtesy of bioMérieux)

The first Omicron (B.1.1.529) case was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24. Just two days later, the WHO designated the variant a Variant of Concern (VOC), based on its unusually large number of mutations and early evidence of its spread. Despite a series of rapidly implemented travel bans, it has now been reported in Africa, many European countries, and a few in Asian countries.

bioMérieux’s analyses allow it to confirm that to date, the company’s BIOFIRE and ARGENE molecular tests efficiently amplify and detect SARS-CoV-2 infection with Omicron variant with an unchanged performance.

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