Cepheid COVID tests expected to detect Omicron variant

Cepheid actively monitors COVID-19 virus mutations and is well prepared to support detection of the "Omicron" B.1.1.529 variant with its PCRplus-based Xpert^® coronavirus tests. The Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2, Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV, and Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus tests all appear to be unaffected by this newly emerging variant, based upon in-silico (computer-based) analysis.

Cepheid's CoV-2 tests, designed with multiple gene targets to ensure comprehensive virus detection, have proven to be robust and reliable over time. This test design approach is used in all of Cepheid's Xpert CoV-2 tests to help guard against variants and ensure the test performance healthcare providers have come to rely on.

"RNA viruses are well known to naturally undergo genetic variation, and thus are well poised to emerge in the face of new selective pressures — it is how they thrive," said David Persing, M.D., Ph.D., EVP, and Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. "From the beginning of the pandemic, we have been keenly focused on staying ahead of SARS-CoV-2 genetic drift and have designed our tests in anticipation of variants like Omicron and potential future variants."

Cepheid's most recent test, Xpert Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus, is designed to include a more robust three-gene detection of SARS-CoV-2, enabling even more confident virus variant detection, further mitigating the possible effects of viral mutations.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Cepheid in September 2021 for its PCRplus-based Xpert CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus multiplex test for the viruses that cause COVID-19, influenza, and RSV infections.

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