Vela Diagnostics now have available PCR-based Research Use Only (RUO) tests for the identification of genetic targets specific to a new strain of bird flu (H7N9), as well as a highly virulent strain of coronavirus (hCoV-EMC).

With plans to run their tests on Vela's automated Sentosa™ Workflow, with results available in as little as 4 hours, the Company is in the final stage of testing with research partners. While current data suggests that Vela's currently available influenza A/B, 2009 H1N1 detects the H7N9 strain; the design of Vela's new test will allow investigators to specifically differentiate the H7N9 strain of avian flu from other strains of the virus. This test is developed under an agreement with the Singapore based company PathGEN Dx.

Similarly, the unique targets found within the coronavirus viral genome of hCoVEMC will allow Vela's new coronavirus test to specifically identify the hCoV-EMC strain.

The kits are currently only available for research use and not intended for diagnostic purposes.