Seegene Inc., a leading provider of total solution for PCR molecular diagnostics based in South Korea, will introduce a new type of research-use-only (RUO) PCR assay to address the spread of the monkeypox (mpox) virus variant, Clade Ib, which is currently prevalent in Africa.

The newly introduced Novaplex MPXV/OPXV plus Assay (RUO) is designed to detect 3 targets causing mpox disease: non-variola Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) and monkeypox virus (MPXV) with specific confirmation of MPXV Clade I. MPXV Clade I is associated with higher transmission and mortality rates than MPXV Clade II. 

The assay meets the preferred target product profiles (TPPs) issued by the WHO, which guide manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers developing new assays for detection of viruses causing mpox. Additionally, it aligns with the preferred target analyte criteria for distinguishing between Clade I and II.

Seegene has been responding swiftly to the August 2024 global public health emergency (PHEIC) declared by the WHO regarding the mpox outbreak by developing two assays designed to detect mpox virus and announcing plans to supply the products to countries in need.

Among these, Novaplex MPXV/OPXV Assay (RUO) is designed to detect MPXV Clade I and Clade II as well as OPXV infections, while Novaplex HSV-1&2/VZV/MPXV Assay (RUO) is designed to simultaneously detect four viruses including MPXV, herpes simplex virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). These products also comply with TPPs issued by the WHO.