PR87866

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- SEEGENE ROLLS OUT FIRST COVID-19 MUTANT IDENTIFICATION TEST

- COVID-19 TEST MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TRACKING VARIANTS

- S. KOREAN FIRM COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS

South Korea's biotechnology firm Seegene (KQ096530) said Monday it developed

the world's first COVID-19 diagnostic variant test, capable of screening

COVID-19 and identifying multiple mutant variations in a single reaction.

Seegene's new variant test, the 'Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay,' can

detect and differentiate virus variations, including those found to be more

contagious and fatal.

The new variant test not only detects COVID-19, but can also identify major

genetic variations that seem to have originated from the UK, South Africa as

well as other regions including Japan and Brazil.

Furthermore, it can pre-screen a suspicious new variant, providing insight on

additional variations, also a key feature of Seegene technology.

Seegene's new product integrates at least ten of its proprietary technologies,

including multiplex real-time PCR method of mTOCE™, which is the cutting-edge

technology that only Seegene can leverage. This innovative technology allows

the test to detect a target specific spot where mutation occurs, enabling

precise detection and differentiation of the coronavirus as well as its mutated

versions with a single tube of reagent.

Another key feature using Seegene's unique technology is its endogenous

internal control that can verify entire testing process including proper sample

collection.  

By utilizing Seegene's big data auto-surveillance in silico system, the company

is closely monitoring and analyzing worldwide database on COVID-19 and its

variants, allowing it to quickly respond with product development.

Currently governments and health authorities around the world are forced to

rely on individual sample sequencing, which is unsuitable to massive testing,

to filter out virus variants from COVID-19 positive cases. An official from

Seegene said its "new COVID-19 diagnostic variant test will significantly boost

massive testing ability in its fight against the global-spread of mutant

viruses when the time is key to controlling the pandemic."

The current diagnostics relies on PCR test or rapid antigen/antibody test to

diagnose COVID-19 infection or the existence of antibodies. But the current

diagnostic methods have limitations in screening virus variants, putting the

brakes on effective epidemic prevention. Only PCR method can screen and

identify the variants, but doing that in a single tube of reagent had not been

possible until Seegene's new variant test.

According to the company official, Seegene plans "to supply its COVID-19

variant tests to global organizations and governments as its priority."

The official added that the company will continue its work to "fulfill the duty

as a leading global molecular diagnostics company by closely working with

health authorities around the world."

SOURCE  Seegene Inc.