Sherlock Biosciences, Cambridge, Mass, and Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), Coralville, Iowa, are collaborating to enable large-scale manufacturing of the Sherlock clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) SARS-CoV-2 kit for detection of the novel coronavirus that causes covid-19. Sherlock Biosciences recently received FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) for the test kit, which will assist in managing the covid-19 pandemic by increasing testing capacity and decreasing time to result.
The Sherlock kit is the first CRISPR-based diagnostic test to receive an EUA for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The kit provides specific and sensitive detection of the virus in patient samples, and it requires no specialized instruments to complete a test. Using standard laboratory equipment gives it a minimal footprint and contributes to a turnaround time of approximately 1 hour.

IDT is supporting the manufacturing of the kit by supplying several key components, including the Cas13a enzyme on which the test is based, as well as CRISPR RNA (crRNA) and primer mix. IDT’s product quality, speed, and ability to scale are key factors in helping to bring the Sherlock kit to market.

“Given the severity and scale of the covid-19 pandemic, it is imperative to increase and improve upon existing diagnostic solutions,” says Rahul Dhanda, cofounder, president, and chief executive officer of Sherlock Biosciences. “We are pleased to partner with IDT, a leading comprehensive genomics solution provider. They have already been leading the charge in large-scale manufacturing of key components for the EUA testing protocol to meet the demands of this global pandemic, and this is another avenue in which they are supporting testing needs. Through this strategic partnership, we will be able to scale production as needed to satisfy the demand for increased testing volumes, which should allow laboratory technicians to run tests at a higher throughput and provide results rapidly to improve patient care.”

“Sherlock has developed a unique methodology for quick and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2, and IDT is proud to leverage our high-quality products to support this groundbreaking testing method,” says Trey Martin, president of IDT. “We look forward to working closely with Sherlock to scale the production of its CRISPR test kit to meet demand in response to this global pandemic.”

IDT will provide access to the CRISPR SARS-CoV2 kit via its website and ordering channels.

For more information, visit Sherlock Biosciences and Integrated DNA Technologies.