Roche launched a new COVID-19 test to help researchers monitor emerging changes and monitor for mutations in the genome of the coronavirus that may make the disease more contagious or more deadly.
The test is specifically designed to differentiate between COVID-19 infections that caused the three variable changes first detected in the UK, South Africa and Brazil at the end of last year – named B .1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1, respectively.
It is designed for use in diagnostic laboratories to help determine how far the new mutations have spread, as well as the potential impact of the changes in their genetic code on the effectiveness of tests, treatments and other coronavirus vaccines.
These new sequences can introduce several mutations in the virus’ s spike protein, changing the shape of what it uses to enter and infect human cells – and which is also a target for treatment aimed at stopping the pandemic.
“Viruses grow naturally over time. While most lesions do not have a clinical effect, some changes need to be monitored carefully as they appear to spread more easily and more quickly, ”said Roche Diagnostics CEO Thomas Schinecker . “Continuous monitoring is vital to public health. ”
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Named the “Variant Set 1” test, the research-only application is designed to run on the company’s high-throughput 6800/8800 cobas systems. Roche said they plan to provide further tests as needed, if more changes appear, and have begun regular evaluations of the effectiveness of his own clinical diagnostics, finding that they are currently correct in detecting active diseases.
The B.1.1.7 variant – with eight mutations in the spike protein alone – has become mainstream since it was reported in December last year. Two of these genetic changes have been linked to increased transmission, while studies have shown an overall increase in near-term mortality rates, according to the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, known as CIDRAP.
Mutation of B.1.351 arose separately, but at the same time, with changes that may help to suppress the body’s immune system. P.1, meanwhile, is closely related to B.1.351.