PerkinElmer Launches NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 to Strengthen SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance

Rhea-AI Summary

PerkinElmer, a leader in health innovations, has launched the NEXTFLEX® Variant-Seq™ SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 for accelerated detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron. The kit enhances sequencing throughput and reduces turnaround time by three hours for 96 samples through advanced normalization beads. It incorporates 1,536 Unique Dual Index barcodes, allowing for the sequencing of 6,000 libraries in a single flow cell, lowering costs. This initiative aims to support SARS-CoV-2 surveillance efforts amid the ongoing pandemic.

Positive

• Launch of NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 to enhance SARS-CoV-2 variant detection.
• Reduces turnaround time by three hours for 96 samples compared to standard kits.
• High throughput capability, sequencing 6,000 SARS-CoV-2 libraries per flow cell.

Negative

• None.

New NGS workflow accelerates the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI), a global leader committed to innovating for a healthier world, today announced the research use only (RUO) launch of the NEXTFLEX^® Variant-Seq™ SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 to accelerate the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants. This complete next generation sequencing (NGS) solution will allow laboratories to increase sequencing throughput and make reliable variant identifications.

Using positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, the NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 detects mutations associated with all SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the latest Variant of Concern (VOC) identified by the World Health Organization, Omicron (B.1.1.529). This kit offers substantial benefits to laboratories in terms of speed, scalability and cost savings by incorporating newly developed NEXTFLEX normalization beads, which reduces turnaround time by three hours on average for 96 samples (when compared to other standard library prep kits that require quantification and normalization of individual samples before pooling).

“The emergence of the Omicron variant has reaffirmed the important role that SARS-CoV-2 surveillance will play in ending the COVID-19 pandemic,” said James Atwood, general manager of Applied Genomics, PerkinElmer. “The NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 workflow was specifically designed to meet the needs of the surveillance community by increasing speed from sample to result, increasing throughput and reducing workflow complexity.”

Additionally, the NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 uses 1,536 Unique Dual Index (UDI) barcodes to enable the sequencing of 6,000 SARS-CoV-2 libraries in one flow cell. This provides extremely high throughput and minimizes per sample costs associated with sequencing.

PerkinElmer also offers the PKamp™ VariantDetect™ SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Assay for the simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of several known SARS-CoV-2 mutations including Omicron. Similarly, this assay allows labs to perform second-tier mutation typing from positive SARS-CoV-2 samples. It is compatible with all commonly available RT-PCR instruments and delivers results within two hours.

To learn more about PerkinElmer’s complete SARS-CoV-2 testing portfolio, click here.

Factors Affecting Future Performance
This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements relating to estimates and projections of future earnings per share, cash flow and revenue growth and other financial results, developments relating to our customers and end-markets, and plans concerning business development opportunities, acquisitions and divestitures. Words such as "believes," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," “estimates”, "projects," "forecasts," "will" and similar expressions, and references to guidance, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's current assumptions and expectations and no assurances can be given that our assumptions or expectations will prove to be correct. A number of important risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation: (1) markets into which we sell our products declining or not growing as anticipated; (2) the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales and operations; (3) fluctuations in the global economic and political environments; (4) our failure to introduce new products in a timely manner; (5) our ability to execute acquisitions, such as BioLegend, and license technologies, or to successfully integrate acquired businesses and licensed technologies into our existing business or to make them profitable, or successfully divest businesses; (6) our ability to compete effectively; (7) fluctuation in our quarterly operating results and our ability to adjust our operations to address unexpected changes; (8) significant disruption in third-party package delivery and import/export services or significant increases in prices for those services; (9) disruptions in the supply of raw materials and supplies; (10) our ability to retain key personnel; (11) significant disruption in our information technology systems, or cybercrime; (12) our ability to realize the full value of our intangible assets; (13) our failure to adequately protect our intellectual property; (14) the loss of any of our licenses or licensed rights; (15) the manufacture and sale of products exposing us to product liability claims; (16) our failure to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations; (17) regulatory changes; (18) our failure to comply with healthcare industry regulations; (19) economic, political and other risks associated with foreign operations; (20) the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union; (21) our ability to obtain future financing; (22) restrictions in our credit agreements; (23) discontinuation or replacement of LIBOR; (24) significant fluctuations in our stock price; (25) reduction or elimination of dividends on our common stock; and (26) other factors which we describe under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

About PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers, and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and healthcare. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, we deliver unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food, and applied markets. We strategically partner with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise. Our dedicated team of more than 16,000 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the well-being and longevity of people globally. The Company reported revenue of approximately $3.8 billion in 2020, serves customers in 190 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information is available at www.perkinelmer.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211208005595/en/

Media Relations:

Chet Murray

(781) 663-5728

chet.murray@perkinelmer.com

Investor Relations:

Steve Willoughby

(781) 663-5677

Steve.willoughby@perkinelmer.com

Source: PerkinElmer, Inc.

FAQ

What is the NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq SARS-CoV-2 Kit v2 launched by PerkinElmer?

It is a new kit designed to accelerate the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron, enhancing sequencing throughput.

How does the NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq Kit v2 improve sequencing efficiency?

It utilizes advanced normalization beads to reduce turnaround time by three hours for 96 samples and supports high throughput.

What variants does the NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq Kit v2 detect?

The kit detects mutations associated with all SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the Omicron variant.

What advantages does the new kit offer laboratories?

It provides speed, scalability, and cost savings while enabling reliable variant identification.

When was the NEXTFLEX Variant-Seq Kit v2 announced?

The kit was announced on December 8, 2021.

What is the stock symbol for PerkinElmer?

The stock symbol for PerkinElmer is PKI.