Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LabCorp) now nationally offers a nucleic acid sequencing assay, HCV GenoSure NS3/4A, that reports NS3 and NS4A mutations and NS3 associated resistance to the recently approved hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors. Identification of certain mutations may be useful to clinicians considering patient treatment decisions.

“HCV GenoSure NS3/4A represents the first in a series of HCV drug resistance assays that have been developed at Monogram Biosciences to support the clinical evaluation of HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents and their use in the management of HCV infection,” commented Chris Petropoulos, PhD, LabCorp’s VP of monogram research and development.

HCV GenoSure NS3/4A is currently available exclusively through LabCorp and its Monogram Biosciences Center of Excellence. The test is available for commercial use as well as clinical trial use. Monogram is an established leader in anti-viral drug resistance with 15 years experience in virology and infectious disease testing.

HCV GenoSure NS3/4A analyzes the genetic sequence for the nonstructural proteins NS3 and NS4A of HCV genotypes 1a and 1b that encode for an enzyme essential to viral replication. The assay detects mutations in NS3 and NS4A and specifically identifies those associated with boceprevir and telaprevir resistance.

Source: Laboratory Corp of America Holdings