27 July 2021 - - Australia-based molecular diagnostic solutions developer SpeeDx Pty. Ltd has launched a new product line of research reagents to support reflex variant analysis for circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, the company said.

The rapid development of PlexPrime SARS-CoV-2 Genotyping tests will support investigations and monitoring of the range of emerging and circulating SARS-CoV-2 VOC that have been linked to increased transmissibility, reduced vaccine efficacy, or other characteristics that may require specific public health actions.

PlexPrime SARS-CoV-2 Alpha/Beta/Gamma+ the first product in the portfolio, is a single well multiplex designed to detect mutations N501Y, S982A and E484K in the spike gene of SARS-CoV-2 found in B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351, and P.1 (Gamma) VOC.

A second multiplex for mutations related to the Delta VOC will be released shortly, and other mutations are currently under assessment.

Compatible with standard qPCR instrumentation, the tests can reduce the manual process of preparing positive samples for sequence analysis by identifying samples of interest, focusing downstream activities, and ultimately reducing turn-around and hands-on time for laboratories.

Founded in 2009, SpeeDx is an Australian-based private company with subsidiary offices in Austin and London, and distributors across Europe.

SpeeDx specializes in molecular diagnostic solutions that go beyond simple detection to offer comprehensive information for improved patient management.

Innovative real-time polymerase chain reaction technology has driven market-leading multiplex detection and priming strategies.

Product portfolios focus on multiplex diagnostics for sexually transmitted infection, antibiotic resistance markers, and respiratory disease.