Novacyt launches two-gene target test for Covid-19

Clinical diagnostics company Novacyt announced on Friday that it has launched a CE-marked polymerase chain reaction (PCR) two-gene target test for Covid-19.

The AIM-traded firm said the test, which provides an additional option to its successful single gene test, would address the need of a number of countries which require a two-gene target testing approach for Covid-19.

That included the markets of France, Belgium, Croatia, Poland and the United Arab Emirates.

The company said the Haute Autorité de Santé, which advises the French government on medical reimbursement, had confirmed that the test would qualify for reimbursement for use by French testing laboratories.

It said the two-gene test was developed to the same standards of precision and performance as the single gene target test for Covid-19.

The performance of the new test had been confirmed in validation studies undertaken by the company, the board said.

It added that the success of Novacyt's single gene target test for Covid-19 was built around “robust design principles”, and the selection of a gene target that had so far demonstrated exceedingly low levels of genetic mutation and variation.

To date, the gene target had been analysed against 60,256 individual Covid-19 viral sequences, and demonstrated 100% detection.

The two-gene target test for Covid-19 would also be added to the weekly surveillance monitoring programme, to demonstrate continued efficacy of the test to diagnose SARS-CoV-2.

“Novacyt continues to demonstrate its ability to rapidly develop new products to address needs within the diagnostics market to support laboratories and clinicians in the ongoing fight against the spread of Covid-19,” said group chief executive officer Graham Mullis.

“We remain committed to building on Novacyt's innovative position on a global scale as the demand for Covid-19 testing continues.”

At 1036 BST, shares in Novacyt were up 1.57% at 304.7p.