Seegene, Inc. has introduced a single tube real-time RT-PCR assay, Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV Assay, which simultaneously detects and differentiates Flu A, Flu B, RSV A/B, and three different target genes of COVID-19 (S gene, RdRP gene and N gene).

Given the similarity in terms of symptoms between seasonal flu and SARS-CoV-2, multiplexing capability will be a critical consideration to accommodate high volume testing necessary for effective disease control in preparation for flu season during COVID-19 pandemic.

South Korea based Seegene's assay incorporates its proprietary high multiplex chemistry technologies, maximizing sensitivity and specificity during PCR amplification and detection of multiple targets. Combined with its unique task target automated system and interpretation software solution, Seegene offers unparalleled capacity at the most competitive pricing available on the market.

The assay also includes dual targets for internal control (exogenous and endogenous, respectively) run in the same reaction tube, which allow verification of the whole test process as well as proper sampling.

"Our multiplex assay will be a powerful tool for labs to maintain the same high throughput and cost as testing COVID 19 alone, in comparison to running 4 different tests," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene.

The assay is currently validated with a wide range of extraction systems (Seegene STARlet, Seegene NIMBUS, Microlab STARlet IVD, Microlab NIMBUS, Seeprep32, KingFisher Flex, MagNA Pure 96, NucliSENS EasyMag, GeneAll Ribospin vRD Viral RNA/DNA Extraction Kit, QIAamp DSP Viral RNA Mini kit) and plans to expand further upon market demand. For PCR instruments, Bio-Rad CFX96 systems can be used.

Seegene also offers a comprehensive syndromic product portfolio on the same automated solution, including its well-established syndromic respiratory virus/bacteria panels which simultaneously detect 26 different targets.