Eurofins Technologies and Eurofins Genomics are pleased to announce the launch of two validated assays for the identification of B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa) variants with a short turn-around time. 

Emerging role of new SARS-CoV-2 mutations B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 has put the world on alert. This emerging virus belongs to a group of RNA viruses that have very high rates of spontaneous mutations, resulting in an extraordinary ability to quickly adapt to new hosts and environments. Even though multiple random mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome have been observed since its first emergence, recent scientific reports have identified two new SARS-CoV-2 variants which have raised special attention and are more alarming because of their concerning epidemiological features, characterized by higher infection rates and rapid replacement of prevalent virus lineages.

The new lineage B.1.1.7, which was first identified in South England, is defined by an unusually large number of 23 mutations. The lineage B.1.351 was initially identified in South Africa. Both variants show mutations in different positions of the S gene. Especially the mutation N501Y, which is found in both the UK (B.1.1.7) and the South Africa (B.1.351) virus variants, seems to increase infectivity.

The rapid emergence of new virus variants represents a continuous challenge. Eurofins Technologies, in close collaboration with Eurofins Genomics, now offers kits to identify those currently most prominent. The GSD NovaType SARS-CoV-2 Detect & ID is a Real-Time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2, and the subsequent identification of B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa) variants. The product has been validated as a two-step workflow with a CE-IVD marked diagnostic test followed by an identification step (Research Use Only). Alternatively, customers can choose to acquire just the identification kit GSD NovaType SARS-CoV-2 ID.

Eurofins Technologies is continuously monitoring the rapid emergence of additional SARS-CoV-2 variants and will constantly expand its portfolio to meet new requirements.

Complement your existing PCR kit with our ID assay, or benefit from our full solution from diagnosis to identification with our Detect & ID kit.:

GSD NovaType SARS-CoV-2 Detect & ID

•  Assay Design: Real-Time RT-PCR test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2, and the subsequent identification
   of B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa) variants
•  Kit Contents for Diagnostics (CE-IVD): RT-PCR Enzyme Mix, Primer-Probe-Mix, Extraction, and Positive Controls.
•  Kit Contents for Identification: Primers and Probes
•  Specimen types: nasal, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, BAL, pharynx gargle
•  2-Step workflow: RT-PCR diagnosis + positive samples run for lineage confirmation

GSD NovaType SARS-CoV-2 ID

•  Assay Design: Real-Time RT-PCR test for the identification of B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa) variants
   on positive PCR samples
•  Kit Contents: RT-PCR Enzyme Mix, Primers and Probes
•  For Research Use Only (RUO)

Eurofins Technologies is continuously monitoring the rapid emergence of additional SARS-CoV-2 variants and will constantly expand its portfolio to meet new requirements.

Please contact us if you are interested in further information. 

For online purchase of the products, please visit this page.

References:

•  Investigation of novel SARS-CoV-2 variant. Variant of Concern 202012/01. Public Health England
•  Andrew Rambault et.al., Preliminary genomic characterization of an emergent SARS-CoV-2 lineage in the UK defined by a novel set of spike mutations, Genomic Epidemiology 2020
•  Houriiyah Tegally et.al., Emergence and rapid spread of a new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineage with multiple spike mutations in South Africa. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.21.20248640