One-sentence summary:
bioMérieux has launched the WATCHFIRE R Panel, a rapid wastewater-based molecular test that detects 22 respiratory pathogens to support early disease surveillance and public health decision-making.

Three brief takeaways:

  1. Rapid Testing: The WATCHFIRE R Panel delivers results in about 45 minutes using the BIOFIRE FILMARRAY TORCH system.
  2. Comprehensive Surveillance: It detects 22 pathogens from a single wastewater sample, enabling early outbreak detection and real-time health monitoring.
  3. Public Health Impact: Integrated with FIREWORKS software, it supports data-driven decisions for community health and pandemic preparedness.

bioMérieux, a worldwide provider in the field of in vitro diagnostics, has announced the launch of its WATCHFIRE molecular testing solution. The WATCHFIRE Respiratory (R) Panel, targeting 22 pathogens*, will run on the BIOFIRE FILMARRAY TORCH instrument, integrated with FIREWORKS software, to deliver real-time trending of viruses and bacteria present in wastewater samples.

Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES) is a testing method used to estimate the health status of a given population by measuring the downstream presence or quantity of associated pathogens. Further highlighted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic1, this approach has generated increased interest2 in giving comprehensive health information in communities. It ideally complements clinical surveillance and is even more valuable in limited resources settings3. Not only can wastewater be used to detect pathogens of concern such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses, or RSV, it allows also for the detection of Antimicrobial Resistant Genes (ARGs).

WATCHFIRE Is a Multiplex PCR Test

For use on the BIOFIRE FILMARRAY TORCH system, the WATCHFIRE R Panel is a unique multiplex 22-target PCR test detecting nucleic acids of common respiratory viruses and bacteria* shed in feces and detectable in wastewater samples, in about 45 minutes. Using the web-hosted FIREWORKS software compatible with our molecular BIOFIRE range, an early warning alert can be provided from the detection and trending of pathogens from compositive wastewater influent samples taken from community level watersheds. These alerts may help Public Health authorities to take data-driven decisions and appropriate actions.

“Wastewater and environmental surveillance have become important public health strategies for detecting and monitoring infectious diseases at a population level. Monitoring trends over time can enable the early detection of an outbreak and can aid in our understanding of the disease burden in a community. This provides important insights to health professionals to inform strategies for containment and resource management planning. With the launch of the WATCHFIRE Solution, bioMérieux continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering clinicians and public health officials with the latest technology to help make the world a healthier place,” says Charles K. Cooper, MD, executive vice president, chief medical officer, bioMérieux.

The WATCHFIRE R Panel is the first test composing the WATCHFIRE Solution to be used by operators in a decentralized or near source lab setting. The panel is run on BIOFIRE FILMARRAY TORCH which provides enhanced flexibility and real-time analysis to ensure improved surveillance and greater operational efficiency.

“We are truly excited to leverage our in vitro diagnostic expertise and enter the wastewater and environmental surveillance segment with our innovative WATCHFIRE Solution. Powered by the trusted BIOFIRE molecular technology, WATCHFIRE provides efficient, closer-to-source testing of multiple pathogens from a single sample in about one hour, with limited hands-on time. Featuring real-time analysis for valuable insights, this scalable solution empowers public health authorities to quickly identifywastewater pathogen trends – enabling affected communities to make informed decisions and proactively take action. It’s an absolute game-changer in bioMérieux’s quest to help make the world a healthier place,” says Jennifer Zinn, executive vice president, Clinical Operations.

Available Worldwide in Q2 2025

The WATCHFIRE R Panel – for respiratory pathogens present in wastewater – will be available worldwide in the second quarter of 2025. It will be followed by the WATCHFIRE Gastrointestinal (G) panel, addressing enteric pathogens in sewage, in the third quarter, to further expand bioMérieux’s presence in the wastewater and environmental surveillance segment.

Featured Image: Hxdylzj| Dreamstime.com

* Viruses: Adenovirus, Coronavirus 229E, Coronavirus HKU1, Coronavirus NL63, Coronavirus OC43, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human metapneumovirus, Human rhinovirus/enterovirus, Influenza A virus, Influenza A virus A/H1, Influenza A virus A/H3, Influenza A virus, A/H1-2009, Influenza B virus, Parainfluenza virus 1, Parainfluenza virus 2, Parainfluenza virus 3, Parainfluenza virus 4, Respiratory syncytial virus Bacteria: Bordetella parapertussis, Bordetella pertussis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae

References

1 COVID-19 wastewater | WHO COVID-19 dashboard

2 Why Is Wastewater Surveillance Important? – Public Health Alliance for Genomic Epidemiology

3 Wastewater Surveillance in Low-Resource Waste Systems | National Wastewater Surveillance System | CDC