Novacyt (Primerdesign) has announced the launch of its CE-Mark approved polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory test panel, genesig^® Winterplex™.

On 27 July 2020, Novacyt announced the development of a respiratory test panel, which includes its high-performance COVID-19 PCR test. The Winterplex test panel includes two gene targets specific to COVID-19, as well as gene targets for influenza A&B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Clinical trial data demonstrated 100% specificity and between 96% and 100% sensitivity across the panel.

There remains a challenge for healthcare providers in differentiating COVID-19 from other respiratory diseases, particularly during a seasonal flu outbreak, due to patients presenting with similar symptoms. This is driving the requirement for the development of respiratory test panels that can diagnose and distinguish the difference between types of flu and COVID-19.

The test panel is designed to be used on any open PCR platform, including the Company’s rapid, portable q32 instrument. The Company is using its existing manufacturing capacity to produce the test panel and believes it can meet the expected global demand for the product.