Omicron variant has showed surging cases in nearly 77 countries around the world in less than one month and seems to become a predominant variant in some regions. According to WHO, "It was probably in many others that had yet to detect it and not enough was being done to tackle the variant." Genetic changes to the virus affect its virulence and indicate it could be considerably more infectious than previous strains.

Facing the potential high transmissibility, it is quite urgent to implement timely mass screening in fast and accurate way to avoid “hyperlocal outbreaks”. As a mainstream COVID-19 testing raw materials supplier to global top-profile reagent manufacturers, Fapon Biotech is racing to develop faster and more convenient way to identify Omicron variant, introducing POCT Test Solution for SARS-CoV-2 and Its Omicron Variant Identification.

The new Product can be used to quickly detect the patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and to identify the Omicron mutant strains infection just in one test. It applies colloidal gold immunochromatography assay to detect NP of SARS-COV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab or saliva samples by using highly sensitive monoclonal antibody. With simple operation, the test results can be obtained in only 20-25min.

Given that common standard nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been the mainstream detection methods to test SARS-CoV-2, antigen testing reveals advantages of fast results, easy-of-use and no need for equipment and professionals. Therefore, antigen testing shall be incorporated as an important supplemental diagnostic way with nucleic acid testing worldwide to reduce transmission. After all, POCT methodology is more affordable and widely used than nucleic acid detection and tend to have higher prevalence rate.

Earlier this week, Fapon Biotech has taken lead to experimentally prove its N protein antibody provided for antigen test kit manufacturers perform effective against Omicron variant, using recombinant N protein and live virus successively. For this newly developed POCT Test Solution for SARS-CoV-2 and Its Omicron Variant Identification, Fapon Biotech has use recombinant N protein for early test, while further verification experiment on Omicron live virus is under entrustment with The University of Hong Kong Microbiology department team, who is first in Asia to isolate Omicron virus from clinical specimens. For any interests in the updated results on Omicron live virus experiment, please feel free to contact via email (market@fapon.com)

Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Fapon Biotech has timely provided comprehensive COVID-19 testing raw materials on various platforms like CLIA, POCT, PCR, NGS, immunoturbidmetry, ELISA, etc., which cover virus detection, immune system evaluation of vaccines, and SARS-CoV-2 variant tracking. The Company is committed to fueling the advancement of COVID-19 diagnosis through collaborations with global partners.