Eurofins Technologies continues to innovate and develop a wide range of diagnostic solutions for COVID-19, particularly in response to the threat of emerging mutations.
In the past days, researchers have identified a new SARS-CoV-2 variant with a concerningly high number of mutations in the spike protein. The variant was first identified in Botswana in November 2021, is spreading rapidly across South Africa, and has been identified in travelers to Hong Kong.
The variant is especially concerning as it contains more than 30 mutations to the spike protein — the SARS-CoV-2 protein that recognizes host cells and is the main target of the body’s natural or vaccine-induced immune responses. Similar mutations have been found in variants such as Delta and Alpha and have been linked to heightened infection rates and potential resistance to infection-blocking antibodies [1]. However, the combination of these mutations seems to be unique to this variant and no related variants have so far been identified [2].
It is therefore critical to quickly identify clusters to limit the spread of this concerning variant. Eurofins, through Gold Standard Diagnostics Europe, provides the toolset to rapidly identify the variant B.1.1.529. GSD NovaType Select is a set of RT-PCR assays to specifically detect mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 in around 1 hour, much faster than genome sequencing methods.
GSD NovaType Select P681H can differentiate variant B.1.1.529 from the currently dominant Delta variant and can be used as a large-scale screening test for all PCR positive samples. For further confirmation, all samples positive for the mutation P681H should be tested using GSD NovaType Select T478K and K417N to further differentiate B.1.1.529 from other circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern [3].
Gilles Martin, Eurofins CEO said: “We continue to innovate to meet the ongoing challenges arising from the pandemic. I am very pleased with the speed at which we have brought to market a new test for the detection of this variant. We have maintained significant testing capacity across our markets, which together with innovations such as this, positions us very well to help deliver highly accurate, variant-detecting COVID tests at a significant scale, to help navigate the pandemic.”
References:
[1] “Heavily mutated coronavirus variant puts scientists on alert”, article from Nature 25/11/2021 available at https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03552-w
[2] Urgent briefing on latest developments around the Covid-19 vaccination program by South African Minister of Health and Deputy Minister of Health, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh4XMueP1zQ&t=709s
[3] WHO Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/
Notes to Editors:
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Eurofins – a global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. Eurofins is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialized and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
With 55,000 staff across a decentralized and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 50 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability, and purity of a wide range of products, as well as providing innovative clinical diagnostic testing services and in-vitro diagnostic products.
The Group’s objective is to provide its customers with high-quality services, innovative solutions, and accurate results on time. Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients’ increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the increasing demands of regulatory authorities as well as the requirements of healthcare practitioners around the world.
In 2020, Eurofins reacted quickly to meet the global challenge of COVID-19, by creating the capacity to help over 20 million patients monthly who may have been impacted by the pandemic with our testing products and our services and directly supporting healthcare professionals working on the front line to fight the virus. The Group has established widespread PCR testing capabilities and has carried out over 30 million tests in its own laboratories, is supporting the development of a number of vaccines, and has established its SAFER@WORK™ testing, monitoring and consulting programs to help ensure safer environments, travel, and events during COVID-19.
Eurofins has grown very strongly since its inception and its strategy is to continue expanding its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions.
Shares in Eurofins Scientific are listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0014000MR3, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).
Until it has been lawfully made public widely by Eurofins through approved distribution channels, this document contains inside information for the purpose of Regulation (EU) 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse, as amended.
Important disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgment of Eurofins Scientific’s management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the information available to the Company’s management as of the date of publication, but no guarantees can be made as to their completeness or validity.