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Influenza viruses

Seegene Releases New Influenza A Sub-type Screening Test

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Seegene today released a new influenza A sub-type screening test, Seeplex(R) FluA ACE Subtyping, which enables simultaneous detection of pandemic novel influenza A (H1N1), seasonal human influenza A H1, seasonal human influenza A H3, and avian influenza A H5 in a single reaction. The test is based on the company's novel DPO(TM)-based Multiplex RT-PCR technology and is in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for diagnosis of new virus strains.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new Seeplex FluA ACE subtyping test enables simultaneous detection of 4 major influenza A subtypes, including current pandemic novel H1N1, at a price point that makes it a viable tool for thorough mass screenings of a population.
  • Accurate diagnosis for an exact type of influenza virus A is essential in the coming flu season, as the correct antiviral drug must be prescribed for efficacious treatment.
  • The test can detect 94% of seasonal influenza A virus type H1, which are resistant to Tamiflu, allowing patients to be treated with a more appropriate therapy.
  • The test can also diagnose bacterial pneumonia, which may have similar symptoms to influenza, and is essential for determining the right treatment.
  • The test uses the company's proprietary multiplex PCR testing platform, Seeplex(TM), which utilizes highly specific PCR technology using DPO (Dual Priming Oligonucleotide) primers.
  • The test has been adopted by over 50 university hospitals, including Seoul National University hospital, and major reference laboratories.

Statistics:

  • 94% of seasonal influenza A virus type H1 are resistant to Tamiflu.
  • The test can detect 4 major influenza A subtypes, including current pandemic novel H1N1.
  • The test has a high accuracy in detecting viral strains, enabling healthcare workers to treat patients with the correct therapy.
  • The test can simultaneously detect viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia.

Sources:

  • "Seegene today released a new influenza A sub-type screening test, Seeplex(R) FluA ACE Subtyping..." (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX)
  • "The Seeplex FluA ACE subtyping test is based on the company's novel DPO(TM)-based Multiplex RT-PCR technology..." (Seegene)
  • "This testing methodology is not being adopted as a standard method due to its low accuracy..." (Seegene)
  • "Seegene's new FluA subtyping test enables simultaneous detection of 4 major influenza A subtypes..." (Seegene)
  • "Typically pneumonia patients are treated with antibiotics, yet if a patient infected with bacterial pneumonia is treated with an antiviral drug, the patient can develop serious complications..." (Seegene)
  • "Seegene has now developed bacterial pneumonia tests capable of simultaneously detecting viral pneumonia and the new Influenza A virus..." (Seegene)
  • "The Korean government approved Seegene's multiplex RT-PCR method as a confirmation test for social health insurance..." (Seegene)

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