December 6, 2021 –
SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif.
Applied BioCode announced today that its SARS-CoV-2 test can detect the recently emerged Omicron variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This variant was initially identified in South Africa and subsequently detected in several other countries around the world.
Applied BioCode routinely monitors developments on variants and detection of those by BioCode® SARS-CoV-2 assay. The Company has analyzed the publicly available sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) and compared them to the design of our assay in order to assess potential implication of these mutations. Based on this investigation, the BioCode® SARS-CoV-2 assay is not impacted by mutations in the new variant.
“Scientists believe that SARS-CoV-2 will continue to evolve. This is the natural path for viruses,” said Dr. Winston Ho, President of the Applied BioCode. He added, “We designed our SARS-CoV-2 assay with this in mind, and as a result, we are confident that the Omicron variant will not impact the performance of our assay.”
Applied BioCode will continue to monitor sequences for the omicron and other variants of concern to confirm assay performance.