Roche offers tests capable of identifying, differentiating between SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants

The more detail provided on a disease, the better for doctors to pursue proper treatment, and in that regard, Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol announced this week that they have tests capable of identifying between the Delta variant and various Omicron subvariants of SARS-CoV-2.

These tests are currently used for research only, but they add to the test kits the companies have already created to detect the BA.1 and BA.2 – and other mutations – in the B.1.1.529 Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. This latest version can detect Delta, as well as Omicron variants BA.1, BA1.1, BA2, BA2.2, and BA3.

The available research use only tests – VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L S373P and VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L S373P 452R – add to the test kits previously developed by Roche and TIB Molbiol for the detection of the recent BA.1 and BA.2, as well as other mutations, present in the novel B.1.1.529 Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant.

While not used for diagnostic procedures, they are a step in that direction, allowing potential monitoring of disease spread and any impact of therapeutics, vaccines, and public health efforts.

“Roche is pleased to offer testing options addressing the ongoing COVID-19 healthcare crisis, specifically in response to the WHO’s recent recommendation that the Omicron BA.2 subvariant should continue to be monitored by public health authorities,” Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics, said. He added, “It’s critical to quickly and accurately identify variants to inform ongoing research – including the ongoing development of therapeutics and vaccines. This can potentially stop or slow down the advancement of the disease.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that the BA2 subvariant had increased prevalence, particularly in Denmark.