Neogen launches wastewater detection screening for COVID-19

Rhea-AI Summary

Neogen Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG) has launched Early Warning™ COVID-19 Testing for wastewater, aimed at detecting SARS-CoV-2 in sludge from wastewater facilities. This reliable test provides quick results to identify outbreaks and potential infections, supporting public health initiatives. CEO John Adent emphasized its importance for communities and industries to maintain safety during the pandemic. The test, developed with RAIN Incubator, allows for targeted responses in areas with high viral loads, thereby reducing transmission risks. Neogen also offers disinfectants and sanitizers to combat COVID-19.

Positive

• Launch of Early Warning™ COVID-19 Testing for wastewater enhances public health monitoring.
• Test provides precise results for early outbreak detection, aiding community safety.
• Supports various sectors, including municipalities and food processing, in infection management.

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• None.

LINCOLN, Neb., Feb. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Neogen Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG) announced today the launch of Early Warning™ COVID-19 Testing for wastewater.

Neogen's Early Warning solution is a piloted, accurate, and reliable test to monitor for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus known to cause COVID-19, in sludge from wastewater facilities. With the test, Neogen can provide precise results that quickly identify new types of outbreaks, and also provide early signals of potential infections and surges within facilities.

"As the pandemic continues, our lab is in a strong position to assist in keeping people and communities safe through early detection, and to prevent further spread. The new test can provide a key tool medical experts say is needed to combat COVID-19," said John Adent, Neogen's president and chief executive officer. "Our Early Warning solution provides the ability to systematically check more people for infections. It is ready to be deployed to municipalities, colleges, food processing, transportation, and other industries so leaders can implement routine monitoring and keep businesses open, keep employees well informed, and people safe."

The technology behind the Early Warning test is based on the research and innovation from immunologist and virologist expert, David Hirschberg Ph.D., and the team at RAIN Incubator, a biotechnology solutions provider based in Tacoma, Wash.

"Using sewage testing as a tool in screening for pathogens has been in use globally for over a decade," said Hirschberg, RAIN's founder. "Sewage testing acts as a biosensor, much like a smoke alarm, that can identify potential threats to public health. Neogen's capabilities to bring sewage testing to a broader scale will be a critical tool in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and other future pathogens."

Early Warning testing in wastewater screens a broad segment of the population and identifies the area of infection, so that specific resources can be directed to the appropriate geographic areas. Data from Early Warning testing can be used for entities to assess potential target testing of individuals in areas showing elevated viral loads. This allows vulnerable people to be isolated, decreasing the number of contacts between infected and healthy individuals and limiting the spread of the virus.

"Early warning reduces time, costs and risk," said Marylinn Munson, Neogen's vice president of genomics. "Quickly identifying areas of emerging infection through sewage testing enables teams and their communities to anticipate a surge of viral infections before they take off."

Neogen's entrance into wastewater testing is the latest in the company's response to slow the spread of COVID-19. Neogen also offers disinfectants, including Synergize^® and COMPANION^™, cleaners, and hand sanitizers.

For more information on Early Warning COVID-19 testing, go to https://www.neogen.com/early-warning-covid-19-wastewater-testing/. To learn about Neogen's ongoing response to COVID-19 visit neogen.com/covid-19/.

Neogen Corporation develops and markets products dedicated to food and animal safety. Neogen's worldwide genomics operations deliver innovative, affordable DNA testing for the discovery and commercial application of genomic advances that enhance the safety and abundance of life. DNA testing services are provided for food safety, animals, aquaculture, agronomy, forestry and horticulture, as well as supporting the research institutions and organizations serving these industries. See more at www.neogen.com.  

CONTACTS:
Media: Clint Mefford, Neogen, cmefford@neogen.com
Product: Susanne Hinkley, Neogen, shinkley@neogen.com

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/neogen-launches-wastewater-detection-screening-for-covid-19-301228227.html

SOURCE Neogen Corporation

FAQ

What is Neogen's Early Warning™ COVID-19 Testing?

It's a wastewater testing solution designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 in sludge, providing early outbreak signals.

How does Neogen's new testing solution impact public health?

It helps identify potential infections in communities quickly, allowing for targeted responses to reduce virus spread.

When was the Early Warning™ COVID-19 Testing launched by Neogen?

The testing was announced on February 15, 2021.

What industries can benefit from Neogen's Early Warning™ Testing?

The testing can be utilized by municipalities, colleges, food processing facilities, and transportation sectors.

Who developed the technology behind Neogen's wastewater testing?

The testing technology is based on research from David Hirschberg, Ph.D., and RAIN Incubator.