- SEEGENE ROLLS OUT FIRST COVID-19 MUTANT IDENTIFICATION TEST 
- COVID-19 TEST MANUFACTURER CONTINUES TRACKING VARIANTS 
- S. KOREAN FIRM COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH GOVERNMENTS 

South Korea's biotechnology firm Seegene (KQ096530) said Monday it developed 
the world's first COVID-19 diagnostic variant test, capable of screening 
COVID-19 and identifying multiple mutant variations in a single reaction.

Seegene's new variant test, the 'Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay,' can 
detect and differentiate virus variations, including those found to be more 
contagious and fatal.

The new variant test not only detects COVID-19, but can also identify major 
genetic variations that seem to have originated from the UK, South Africa as 
well as other regions including Japan and Brazil.

Furthermore, it can pre-screen a suspicious new variant, providing insight on 
additional variations, also a key feature of Seegene technology.

Seegene's new product integrates at least ten of its proprietary technologies, 
including multiplex real-time PCR method of mTOCE™, which is the cutting-edge 
technology that only Seegene can leverage. This innovative technology allows 
the test to detect a target specific spot where mutation occurs, enabling 
precise detection and differentiation of the coronavirus as well as its mutated 
versions with a single tube of reagent.

Another key feature using Seegene's unique technology is its endogenous 
internal control that can verify entire testing process including proper sample 
collection.  

By utilizing Seegene's big data auto-surveillance in silico system, the company 
is closely monitoring and analyzing worldwide database on COVID-19 and its 
variants, allowing it to quickly respond with product development. 

Currently governments and health authorities around the world are forced to 
rely on individual sample sequencing, which is unsuitable to massive testing, 
to filter out virus variants from COVID-19 positive cases. An official from 
Seegene said its "new COVID-19 diagnostic variant test will significantly boost 
massive testing ability in its fight against the global-spread of mutant 
viruses when the time is key to controlling the pandemic."

The current diagnostics relies on PCR test or rapid antigen/antibody test to 
diagnose COVID-19 infection or the existence of antibodies. But the current 
diagnostic methods have limitations in screening virus variants, putting the 
brakes on effective epidemic prevention. Only PCR method can screen and 
identify the variants, but doing that in a single tube of reagent had not been 
possible until Seegene's new variant test.

According to the company official, Seegene plans "to supply its COVID-19 
variant tests to global organizations and governments as its priority."

The official added that the company will continue its work to "fulfill the duty 
as a leading global molecular diagnostics company by closely working with 
health authorities around the world."

SOURCE  Seegene Inc.