Novacyt test for variants of concern included in NHS framework

Clinical diagnostics company Novacyt announced on Monday that its ‘SNPsig’ SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping portfolio has been included in the NHS England framework for detecting Covid-19 ‘variants of concern’.

The AIM-traded firm also announced the launch of two new PCR assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

It explained that the national framework was for testing of all positive SARS-CoV-2 samples from NHS and high-throughput ‘Lighthouse’ laboratories in England.

SNPsig COVID-19 20I/501Y.V1 + E484K is a CE-marked assay to detect 20I/501Y.V1, the variant of concern originally identified in the UK, as well as VOC-21FEB-02 and all SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying the E484K escape mutation.

SNPsig SARS-CoV-2 E484K Easy, meanwhile, is a research-use-only, streamlined workflow solution for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying the E484K escape mutation for use with the company's q32 rapid-PCR instrument.

That assay comes with pre-filled cassettes, and includes one pipetting step to decrease operator complexity and improve cycle times.

“We are very pleased to be included in NHS England's VoC Framework, which allows our SNPsig range of products to be used at any NHS and Lighthouse laboratories, subject to local verification, as we continue to support diagnostic testing across the UK, and globally, through our extensive portfolio,” said chief executive officer Graham Mullis.

“We remain committed to developing new tests to match the rapid evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with our real-time bioinformatics surveillance programme and accelerated product development.

“Our SNPsig portfolio for detecting variants of interest and variants of concern now includes 12 individual assays to support scientists and clinicians in the ongoing fight against Covid-19.”

At 0859 BST, shares in Novacyt were up 8.38% at 438.93p.