Seegene Inc. (KQ 096530), South Korea's leading molecular diagnostics company, confirmed today that its Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Master test is capable of detecting Omicron. The established PCR test identifies four SARS-CoV-2 genes and five significant mutations in peak protein in a single reaction. Within four hours, the test gives accurate results on whether a person is COVID-19 positive and has an Omicron variant. To promote the display of the test, Seegene supports countries that need tests to quickly detect Omicron cases without the manpower and equipment required for full genomic sequencing.

The ALLPLEX™ SARS-CoV-2 Master is simultaneously detecting four wild-type SARS-CoV-2 genes (E gene, RdRP gene, N gene and S gene) and five major S-gene mutations: HV69/70 removal, Y144removal, E484K, N501Y and P681H. Since the latest Omicron variant contains HV69/70 removal, N501Y and P681H mutations, this CE-IVD marked test can provisionally detect the Omicron variant.

The first Omicron (B.1.1.529) case was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 24 November. Just two days later, the WHO named the variant a troubling variant (VOC) based on its exceptionally high number of mutations and early evidence of its rapid spread. Despite the many travel bans that have been introduced quickly, there are now sightings of the variant in Africa, many European countries and a few Asian countries.

Identifying new variants typically involves sequencing the next generation of isolated virus, which takes a few days for a full result. For faster detection, the SARS-CoV-2 Master ™ Seegenen Allplex test can identify the variant already in the first phase of screening. After that, public health authorities can quickly isolate, track and contact people infected with this worrying variant.

"In order to control the spread of Omicron, it is very important that the Omicron variant is identified preventively at the primary screening stage. To this end, we support countries that need our tests for faster detection of the latest conversion," says Dr Jong-Yoon Chun, founder and CEO of Seegene. In addition to enhancing monitoring, the implementation of the relevant quarantine measures will give countries around the world more time to curb increasing Omicron infections and protect their citizens.