World’s First High-Throughput, Multi-Antigen COVID-19 Biochip Test Launched

A multi-antigen, multi-domain, fully quantitative serology test, ImmuSAFE enables the determination of the target epitopes, titres and Ig class/sub-class (IgG, IgA, IgM; IgG1-4) of antibodies produced across all stages of COVID-19 infection, from initial exposure, disease development, post-recovery or post-vaccination. These results will provide critical insights on whether individuals have high titres of potentially neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 that may protect against re-infection or whether booster vaccinations are required. ImmuSAFE COVID+ will also enable quantitative assessment of patient response in vaccination trials, including differentiation of whether observed antibody responses are due directly to the vaccine or to prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

ImmuSAFE is a lab-based biochip test that utilises Sengenics’ patented KREX protein folding technology ensuring that viral antigens are correctly folded, preserving all conformational and linear antibody binding sites. The test contains more than 10 domains of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Spike proteins, including full-length and numerous truncated versions. Cross-reactivity between immunogenic regions of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses may lead to an overestimation of sero-prevalence in a given population. ImmuSAFE is designed to reduce cross-reactivity by targeting multiple SARS-CoV-2 specific domains, resulting in fewer false positives, and a more accurate determination of sero-prevalence.

“The target epitope of antibodies produced following infection exhibit a significant level of diversity across a population. Some individuals produce antibodies that target locations which are neutralizing (protective), whereas others produce antibodies that are non-neutralizing. Being able to differentiate between these has major implications for vaccine development and sero-protectivity of individuals following infection,” said Professor Jonathan Blackburn, Sengenics CSO.

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