Roche’s new Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology test will detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in patients who have been exposed to the corona virus
Roche develops new serology test to help detect COVID-19 antibodies. (Credit: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.)
Roche has developed Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology test, which is capable of detecting antibodies in people who have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 disease.
The pharmaceutical firm said that its Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay is an in vitro test that detects antibodies and determines the body’s immune reaction to SARS-CoV-2, using human serum and plasma drawn from a blood sample.
Also, the test can be used in epidemiological research to help better understand the spread of COVID-19 and may also be used along with the molecular tests to diagnose the suspected patients.
Roche Group CEO Severin Schwan said: “Following the launch of our high-volume PCR test in mid-March to detect active infection of the disease, we are now going to launch a new antibody test in early May.
“Every reliable test on the market serves its purpose for healthcare systems to help us overcome this pandemic. Roche is collaborating closely with health authorities and ramping up production to ensure fast availability of the test globally.”
Roche’s new Elecsys serology test can be run on existing cobas e analysers
Roche said that antibody testing is crucial in identifying people infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, particularly those who may have been infected but did not display symptoms.
In addition, the test is capable of supporting the screening of high-risk groups, including healthcare workers, food supply workers who might already have developed an immunity.
The company has developed the new diagnostic test to be performed by hospitals and reference laboratories on its cobas e analysers, which are widely available in laboratories around the world.
The new antibody test is expected to be commercialised by early May in countries accepting the CE mark and the company is working together with the FDA for an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for its product.
Roche Diagnostics CEO Thomas Schinecker said: “Roche is deeply committed to supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Timely availability and fast access to reliable, high-quality tests are essential for healthcare systems.
“The antibody test is an important next step in the fight against COVID-19. Roche’s antibody test can be quickly scaled and made broadly available around the world as our instrument infrastructure is already in place.”