Roche RT-PCR technology used for TIB MOLBIOL´s H1N1 test

TIB MOLBIOL, the Berlin-based cooperation partner of Roche Applied Science announced today the development of a LightMix test for the new variant of the Influenza A H1N1 virus, to be launched initially in Europe and Asia. This test has been optimized for Roche LightCycler® 480 II, 2.0, and 1.2 systems and selectively identifies the new Influenza A H1N1 virus.

“We are proud of our contribution in the battle against a potential pandemic. The new test proved its suitability this week, after identifying the virus in sample materials from Mexico,” said Olfert Landt, TIB Molbiol.

Manfred Baier, Head of Roche Applied Science, adds: “Roche is committed to supporting governments and institutions worldwide in combating this outbreak of influenza, and we are providing scientists, who are working on Influenza A H1N1 virus, with efficient tools for their work.”

Applied Science offers a variety of platforms that can be used to help identify the Influenza A H1N1 virus, including Nucleic Acid Purification, Real Time PCR, Microarrays and Sequencing systems. The company is in close contact with various research institutions and test centers worldwide providing assistance in the detection and characterization of Influenza A H1N1 virus. Basing on these contacts Roche Applied Science is developing another test with improved characteristics, which will be available soon.

Currently, there is no human vaccine on the market that protects against Influenza A H1N1 infection. Standard therapy for the disease includes treatment with antiviral drugs like Tamiflu or Relenza. For more information on Influenza A H1N1 please visit www.who.int.

Since 1990, TIB MOLBIOL has been offering custom synthesis of oligonucleotides to a growing number of customers worldwide. As one of the first suppliers of synthetic DNA on the European market, the company has since set standards of quality and service. Today the core competence lies in the development of Real-Time-PCR assays for life science research, environmental analysis and medical diagnostics.