In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Erba Mannheim today announced the 
development and imminent launch of its ErbaLisa(R) COVID-19 ELISA kits for 
detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. The assays have been 
designed for use either manually or with any open automated ELISA analyzer, 
such as the Erba Mannheim ELAN 30s.

SARS-CoV-2 viral antigens stimulate the body's immune system to produce 
antibodies that can be detected with IgM and IgG antibody tests. IgM is 
produced first and is detectable during early onset of the disease. IgG is 
produced later and is maintained for long-term immunity.

Petros Sarantos, Global Product Manager for Immunoassay, said: "Our IgM test 
could be used to identify people recently infected by the virus, including 
those who may not have displayed symptoms. The IgG test will provide an 
accurate measure of how many people have been infected and may have developed 
immunity. Once identified, immune individuals could safely return to work and 
help relieve stressed healthcare systems or other frontline functions. Such 
people could also donate their blood to potentially save other patients with 
severe COVID-19."

Nikhil Vazirani, MD of Erba Mannheim, said: "We are very proud to be 
contributing towards the fight against COVID-19. Having a better understanding 
about the immunity of COVID-19 will help society move back towards normality."

The ErbaLisa(R) COVID-19 assays have been designed, developed, and will be 
manufactured at Calbiotech Inc., Erba Mannheim's immunoassay centre of 
excellence in El Cajon, California. The ready-to-use ELISA kits will allow not 
only qualitative, but also semi-quantitative detection of the IgG and IgM 
antibodies.

Erba Mannheim has filed applications for both assays with the FDA's Emergency 
Use Notification process, and CE certification has already been granted. Kits 
are available through Erba's global distribution network, including in the USA.

Learn more: https://erbalisacovid19.erbamannheim.com/

About Erba Mannheim
Erba Mannheim is a global company focused on creating a social impact in the 
developing nations of the world by delivering innovative, affordable and 
sustainable healthcare solutions. Operating and providing clinical diagnostic 
products in over 100 countries, Erba Mannheim utilizes a combination of cutting 
edge European and American R&D with efficient low cost manufacturing to craft 
innovative technologies that are made accessible to people in all resource 
settings.

Source: Erba Mannheim