Co-Diagnostics Designs Test to Detect Mutations for New Coronavirus Strain Using CoPrimer™ Platform
December 31, 2020
Co-Diagnostics has announced that it has completed principal design work for a PCR test that would allow researchers to identify certain mutations in a newly detected variant of SARS-CoV-2 known as VUI 202012/01.
The new coronavirus strain comprises several mutations and may be more contagious than its predecessors. London and the southeast of Great Britain began Sunday morning at Level 4, which requires the effective closure of the affected areas, and further limits contact with others. Travel restrictions have also been put in place by countries concerned about exposure to the new strain of the virus.
Dwight Egan, CEO of Co-Diagnostics, commented “One of the most important advantages of our CoPrimer™ platform is its ability to reliably and accurately differentiate between similar genetic sequences, in order to reduce the likelihood of a false positive diagnosis. The multiplexing capabilities of our CoPrimer platform go hand-in-glove with the technology’s applications in detecting small genetic variations in a given gene. As we have demonstrated earlier on during this pandemic, our technology also facilitates rapid test development that we believe could help get testing solutions on the ground quickly as impactful mutations are identified.”
“The company’s diagnostic technology continues to stay on the cutting-edge of testing for SARS-COV-2, including the development of tests for new strains,” said Kelvyn Cullimore, president and CEO of BioUtah.
Co-Diagnostics, a Salt Lake City-based molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures and markets a new, state-of-the-art diagnostics technology, was out of the gates early with an initial COVID-19 test. Genetic mutations in the new variant are not believed to interfere with the performance of the Company’s existing line of COVID-19 diagnostics, and any new test developed for this mutation would be a separate product, distinct from the company’s other tests.