QIAGEN Confirms Effectiveness of Its SARS-CoV-2 PCR Tests in the Face of Mutations of the Coronavirus

Rhea-AI Summary

QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) confirmed that its PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 remain effective against known viral variants. Since May 2020, assessments of the tests against genetic mutations have shown no impact on sensitivity. The company will continue biweekly surveillance of genetic variations. Chief Medical Officer Davide Manissero emphasized the importance of genomic sequencing in monitoring the virus. The report highlights variants like VUI 202012/01, 501Y.V2, and B.1.1.28 P1, which pose increased transmissibility risks.

Positive

• QIAGEN's PCR tests maintain effectiveness against identified SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• Continuous biweekly monitoring shows no sensitivity issues with existing assays.
• Expert commentary reinforces the reliability of QIAGEN's testing methods.

Negative

• None.

QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests remain accurate and effective in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections – and will continue to closely monitor their performance as global concerns mount regarding the detection of new viral variants by established testing methods.

QIAGEN has successfully assessed its SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests against genetic mutations of the virus uploaded to the GISAID and GenBank public databases since May 2020. A latest round of assessments conducted in January 2021 again confirmed that no recorded mutations affected the sensitivity of QIAGEN assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2. Surveillance of genetic variations will continue on a biweekly basis.

“We are pleased to report the known viral variants have had no impact on the effectiveness of our three SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests – PCR remains the gold standard for detecting RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2,” said Davide Manissero, M.D., Chief Medical Officer - Infection and Immune Diagnostics at QIAGEN. “Further genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 samples worldwide will vastly increase transparency and help us identify and respond to potentially dangerous mutations of the virus, while at the same time broadening the database we can use to verify if vaccines and tests continue to be effective.”

Variants with potentially increased transmissibility include VUI 202012/01 (first detected in the United Kingdom), 501Y.V2 (identified in South Africa), and B.1.1.28 P1 (most recently discovered in Brazil). As a virus encoded by RNA nucleotides, SARS-CoV-2 frequently mutates due to erroneous or ineffective replication of the virus genome. These mutations can sometimes produce viruses with altered properties or even entirely new strains.

Please find the full press release here

Additional Information regarding QIAGEN’s efforts against SARS-CoV-2 can be found here

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210120005691/en/

FAQ

How effective are QIAGEN's PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 against new variants?

QIAGEN's PCR tests have been confirmed effective against known SARS-CoV-2 variants, with no sensitivity loss reported.

What variants have been studied by QIAGEN for PCR test effectiveness?

Variants studied include VUI 202012/01 from the UK, 501Y.V2 from South Africa, and B.1.1.28 P1 from Brazil.

How often does QIAGEN monitor SARS-CoV-2 genetic variations?

QIAGEN conducts biweekly surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variations to ensure test effectiveness.

What is the significance of genomic sequencing for QIAGEN's tests?

Genomic sequencing increases transparency and helps identify potential dangerous mutations of SARS-CoV-2.

What technologies does QIAGEN utilize for SARS-CoV-2 testing?

QIAGEN uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which is considered the gold standard for RNA virus detection.