Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol have developed a COVID-19 test for researchers that detects and differentiates the latest subvariant of interest BA.2.75. The test specifically targets two of the known unique mutations in BA.2.75, which allows clear differentiation against other notable subvariants.
“Roche is pleased to have developed a test for researchers that provides insights into the epidemiology of BA.2.75, helping to understand its impact on public health,” says Cindy Perettie, head of Molecular Labs at Roche Diagnostics Solutions. “Being able to differentiate emerging variants and understanding their similarities and mutations, can provide a basis for experts to make predictions of their spread and response to treatment strategies.”
Since it was first detected in India in May 2022, cases of BA.2.75 have been reported in more than a dozen countries. The BA.2.75 is a subvariant related to the Omicron variant. The subvariant of interest is being monitored by both the World Health Organization as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has not reached the level of a Variant of Concern, but differentiating it from BA.4 and BA.5 allows for improved tracking to understand how it is spreading.
The available research use only test, VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike 147E 152R, adds to the broad suite of COVID-19 test kits developed by Roche and TIB Molbiol, for instance for the detection of the recent BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, as well as other mutations present in the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant.
Roche and TIB Molbiol’s researchers continue to work in collaboration with partners globally to continually screen for new variants and emerging diseases.
About the VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike 147E 152R
The test specifically targets two of the known unique mutations, K147E and W152R, in BA.2.75, which allows clear differentiation against other notable subvariants. This test is for research use only and is available globally. The VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike 147E 152R for use on Lightcycler and cobas z480 analyzer.
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic
As a leading healthcare company, we are doing all we can to support countries in their fight against COVID-19 and minimising its impact. That is why we are working with governments, policy makers, healthcare professionals and others to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic and make sure patients continue to receive the tests, treatment and care they need.
The pandemic has profoundly raised awareness of the role diagnostics play in COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment development and disease management. Roche has developed and launched more than 20 COVID-19 diagnostics solutions, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid antigen and antibody tests. Our solutions serve the entire diagnostic continuum, from high-throughput laboratories to point-of-care and home self-testing, and cover all currently known variants. To help meet global demand, we have supplied more than 1.5 billion tests for COVID-19 since March 2020.
According to the company, its utmost goal remains to be a trusted partner who acts with urgency to save and improve the lives of patients with COVID-19 and to reduce its burden on society. For more information please visit the company’s COVID-19 response page.
