Novacyt launches RUO PCR monkeypox test
Novacyt, an international specialist in clinical diagnostics, has launched its research-use-only (RUO) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) monkeypox assay in response to the recent outbreak of the virus in non-endemic countries.
The launch of this assay expands Novacyt’s genesig real-time PCR diagnostic product portfolio and is in line with the company’s strategy to maintain its position as a first responder in infectious diseases.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease, which predominantly occurs in Central and Western Africa. The monkeypox virus is zoonotic meaning transmission is primarily between animals and humans, but human-to-human transmission can also occur, through contact with skin lesions, body fluids and respiratory secretions of infected animals or humans. Clinical presentations in humans are similar to smallpox with fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and muscle aches along with characteristic pox lesions.
Novacyt’s RUO monkeypox assay has been developed in two forms, genesig easy and genesig advanced, for detection of the virus genome (both West African and Central African variants). Both forms analyse DNA extracted from serum, lesion exudate, or scab samples from human or animal species. The genesig advanced assay is designed to be used with any open test platform, including Novacyt’s MyGo instruments, whilst the genesig easy assay is suitable for use on the Company’s q16 and q32 instruments. The advanced assay is quantitative if run alongside the recommended standard curve but can also be run without one and still give a qualitative result. The easy kit (q16 and q32 only) does not need a standard curve, instead software analyses the results of the sample and control to give a semi-quantitative result.
David Allmond, chief executive officer of Novacyt, said: “Our RUO monkeypox assay has been developed in response to the recent outbreak of the virus in non-endemic countries and built around robust design principles and our real-time bioinformatics surveillance to monitor new monkeypox genome sequences. Whilst the risk of transmission of the disease to humans currently remains low, we believe our RUO assays are important tools to assist scientists and clinicians diagnose and monitor emerging infectious disease threats. The launch of this new assay further demonstrates Novacyt’s strength as a global first responder, in line with our strategy, as well as our commitment to expanding our portfolio in infectious disease.”