Assays target the H7N9 bird flu strain and a new, highly virulent coronavirus

Singapore, June 10, 2013 – Vela Diagnostics today announced the availability of 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).

Vela Diagnostics CEO Michael Tillmann said, “The developments are a part of our social responsibility to provide the necessary tools and support in such situations. To this end we will work closely with experts as well as healthcare authorities worldwide.”

With plans to run their tests on Vela Diagnostics’ automated Sentosa workflow, with results available in as short as four hours, the company is in the final stage of testing with research partners. While current data suggests that Vela Diagnostics’ currently available influenza A/B, 2009 H1N1 detects the H7N9 strain, the design of the 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 (http://www.pathgendx.com/).

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

Updated: April 25, 2014