QIAGEN Launches QIAprep& Plasmodium Kit to Strengthen Malaria Research and Surveillance Efforts

Rhea-AI Summary

QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN) has launched the QIAprep& Plasmodium Kit and two companion assays to enhance malaria research and surveillance. The new solution combines sample preparation and quantitative PCR into a single workflow for detecting malaria-causing parasites from blood samples.

The kit enables detection of all five Plasmodium species with high sensitivity (one parasite per microliter) and is compatible with both liquid and dried blood samples. The technology includes two key assays: the QIAGEN Pf/Non-Pf Detection Assay for screening Plasmodium falciparum, and the QIAGEN Pv/Pm/Po/Pk Detection Assay for distinguishing between P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi.

This launch addresses a critical global health challenge, as malaria caused over 250 million cases worldwide in 2024, with more than 90% occurring in Africa. The solution aims to support mixed-infection tracking, vaccine impact assessment, and malaria control strategies, particularly in regions with healthcare infrastructure.

Positive

• Launch of innovative QIAprep& Plasmodium Kit combining sample preparation and qPCR in one workflow
• High detection sensitivity of one parasite per microliter
• Versatile compatibility with both liquid and dried blood samples
• Expansion into the large malaria testing market (250M+ cases annually)

Negative

• None.

Insights

Biotech Analyst

QIAGEN's launch of the QIAprep& Plasmodium Kit represents a strategic expansion of their infectious disease portfolio, adapting their COVID-19 platform technology for another significant global health challenge. The product addresses the 250+ million malaria cases reported in 2024, with particular relevance to African markets where 90% of cases occur.

The technology offers several competitive advantages, including the ability to detect all five Plasmodium species and an impressive sensitivity threshold of one parasite per microliter. By integrating sample preparation and qPCR into a single workflow, QIAGEN is addressing efficiency needs in resource- settings where malaria is endemic.

From a business perspective, this launch leverages QIAGEN's existing molecular diagnostics infrastructure and creates synergies with their Rotor-Gene Q platform. While not likely to drive immediate significant revenue growth given the economics of target markets, it strengthens QIAGEN's position in infectious disease surveillance and establishes presence in regions experiencing increased healthcare investment.

The timing aligns with the recent integration of vaccines into anti-malaria programs, creating demand for monitoring tools to track vaccine effectiveness and parasite evolution. This positions QIAGEN to capture value from the broader ecosystem of malaria control initiatives beyond just diagnostic revenue.

• Malaria remains a major global health threat, with more than 250 million cases and 600,000 deaths in 2024 – over 90% of them in Africa
• QIAprep&amp Plasmodium Kit enables streamlined detection of five malaria-causing parasites for epidemiological research and surveillance
• Novel QIAGEN assays support mixed-infection tracking, vaccine impact assessment and malaria control strategies in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure

VENLO, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced the launch of the QIAprep&amp Plasmodium Kit and two companion assays to support malaria research and surveillance efforts.

This new solution combines sample preparation and quantitative PCR (qPCR) into a single workflow, providing a rapid and accessible tool for detecting malaria-causing parasites from blood samples.

Malaria remains one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is caused by five species of Plasmodium parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum responsible for the most severe cases. In 2024 alone, malaria accounted for more than 250 million cases worldwide, with over 90% occurring in Africa.

While the integration of vaccines into anti-malaria programs began in 2024, and mark a significant milestone, comprehensive monitoring of parasite prevalence and evolution is essential for disease control. The QIAprep&amp Plasmodium Kit simplifies malaria research by enabling the detection of all five Plasmodium species in human samples.

“Malaria research and surveillance remains critical in the fight against this potentially fatal disease, especially as control efforts evolve,” said Swathi Kumar, Head of Global PCR, Enzymes & Oligos at QIAGEN. “Our new QIAprep&amp Plasmodium Kit and assays allow researchers to monitor disease prevalence through high-frequency screening so they can better track the spread of this disease, study vaccine effectiveness and identify emerging dominant parasite strains that may impact treatment and containment strategies.”

QIAGEN’s QIAprep&amp technology – originally developed for COVID-19 research – integrates liquid-based sample preparation with qPCR into a streamlined and cost-efficient workflow. It offers high sensitivity, detecting as little as one parasite per microliter, and is compatible with both liquid and dried blood samples, including QIAcard FTA cards. It is also suitable for use on many qPCR platforms, including QIAGEN’s Rotor-Gene Q.

The accompanying assays further enhance malaria research detection and differentiation. The QIAGEN Pf/Non-Pf Detection Assay is a single-reaction screen for the most common cause of malaria in humans involving Plasmodium falciparum, while the QIAGEN Pv/Pm/Po/Pk Detection Assay helps distinguish between the remaining four common species that cause malaria – P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi – allowing scientists to track mixed infections, study parasite evolution during vaccine rollouts and ensure that comprehensive epidemiological surveillance data is available when designing response measures.

For more information about the QIAprep&amp Plasmodium Kit and assays, visit: https://www.qiagen.com/de/products/discovery-and-translational-research/pcr-qpcr-dpcr/real-time-pcr-enzymes-and-kits/qiaprep-and-amp-plasmodium-kit

About QIAGEN

QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions, enabling customers to extract and gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life. Our Sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue, and other materials. Assay technologies prepare these biomolecules for analysis while bioinformatics software and knowledge bases can be used to interpret data to find actionable insights. Automation solutions bring these processes together into seamless and cost-effective workflows. QIAGEN serves over 500,000 customers globally in Life Sciences (academia, pharma R&D and industrial applications, primarily forensics) and Molecular Diagnostics for clinical healthcare. As of December 31, 2024, QIAGEN employed more than 5,700 people in over 35 locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.qiagen.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements, including those regarding QIAGEN's products, development timelines, marketing and / or regulatory approvals, financial and operational outlook, growth strategies, collaborations and operating results - such as expected adjusted net sales and adjusted diluted earnings - are based on current expectations and assumptions. However, they involve uncertainties and risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, challenges in managing growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations, regulatory processes and logistical dependencies), variability in operating results and allocations between customer classes, commercial development for our products to customers in the Life Sciences and clinical healthcare, changes in relationships with customers, suppliers or strategic partners; competition and rapid technological advancements; fluctuating demand for QIAGEN's products due to factors such as economic conditions, customer budgets and funding cycles; obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals for our products; difficulties in successfully adapting QIAGEN's products into integrated solutions and producing these products; and protecting product differentiation from competitors. Additional uncertainties may arise from market acceptance of new products, integration of acquisitions, governmental actions, global or regional economic developments, natural disasters, political or public health crises, and other "force majeure" events. There is also no guarantee that anticipated benefits from acquisitions will materialize as expected. For a comprehensive overview of risks, please refer to the “Risk Factors” contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F and other reports filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: QIAGEN N.V.

Category: Corporate

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250331605807/en/

Contacts QIAGEN:

Investor Relations

John Gilardi +49 2103 29 11711

Domenica Martorana +49 2103 29 11244

e-mail: ir@QIAGEN.com

Public Relations

Thomas Theuringer +49 2103 29 11826

Lisa Specht +49 2103 29 14181

e-mail: pr@QIAGEN.com

Source: QIAGEN N.V.

FAQ

What is the detection sensitivity of QIAGEN's new QIAprep& Plasmodium Kit?

The kit can detect as little as one parasite per microliter of blood sample.

How many malaria cases were reported globally in 2024 according to QGEN's release?

Over 250 million malaria cases were reported worldwide in 2024, with more than 90% occurring in Africa.

What types of blood samples can be used with QGEN's new malaria detection kit?

The kit is compatible with both liquid blood samples and dried blood samples, including QIAcard FTA cards.

Which Plasmodium species can QIAGEN's new malaria detection assays identify?

The assays can detect all five species: P. falciparum through the Pf/Non-Pf assay, and P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi through the Pv/Pm/Po/Pk assay.