After more than 16000 cases being reported from 75 countries and territories, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the rapidly spreading Monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Genes2Me Pvt. Ltd., an Indian IVD manufacturers, announced that they have developed the Real-Time PCR-based kit for quick detection of Monkeypox virus with a turnaround result time of less than 50 minutes. The kit is available in both the standard version for any commonly available Real Time PCR instruments as well as Point-of-Care format on Genes2Me Rapi-Q HT Rapid RT-PCR device. The Point-of-Care solution can be used for screening at multiple sites including hospitals, airports, diagnostic labs, health camps, etc.
Scientists from Genes2Me have been able to develop “POX-Q Multiplexed RT-PCR kit” for the detection of Monkeypox virus along with differentiation from Varicella Zoster Virus (Chicken Pox) in a single tube multiplex reaction format. This kit is available as Research-Use only (RUO) and based on Gold standard Taqman chemistry based RT PCR method.
The WHO recommended specimen type for laboratory confirmation of Monkeypox is skin lesion material, including swabs of lesion surface and/or exudate, roofs from more than one lesion, or lesion crusts. Hence, for detection of Monkeypox, both dry swabs and swabs placed in VTM can be used.
“This unprecedented time underscores the importance of diagnostic assays in health security preparedness and readiness. We wanted to be prepared ahead of time for this virus. Understanding the value of time, we have launched this RT PCR for Monkeypox which will give the result in less than 50 minutes with the highest accuracy. Genes2Me always strives to bring in revolutionary and path-breaking solutions for critical health conditions which can help in the screening of masses during any health emergency. We have the current capacity to manufacture 5 million test kits in a week, however, it can be scaled up to 2 million tests in a day with the added demand,” said Neeraj Gupta, CEO and Founder of Genes2Me.
He also highlighted that the Genes2Me team also introduced “RT-Direct” as the first Made-in-India COVID-19 Extraction Free RT-PCR Kit, with a coverage of three targets specific for SARS-CoV-2 which give results in less than 40 minutes.
