Sarbecovirus

Twist Bioscience Now Shipping Synthetic RNA Positive Controls for Delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 Variant for Development of Accurate Diagnostic Tests

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Research, Medical Supplies, Infectious diseases, FDA, Clinical trials, Biotechnology, Health, Pharmaceutical, Science, Branches of biology, Biology, Natural sciences, Molecular biology, Biotechnology, Laboratory techniques, Sarbecovirus, Zoonoses, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, COVID-19

Rates of vaccinations in many countries have slowed, with COVID cases specific to the Delta variant spiking.

Key Points: 
  • Rates of vaccinations in many countries have slowed, with COVID cases specific to the Delta variant spiking.
  • In March 2020, Twist launched its first synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA distinct reference sequences as positive controls for the development of both next-generation sequencing (NGS) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays to test for SARS-CoV-2.
  • The Twist synthetic controls are designed based on specific SARS-CoV-2 variants, cover the full viral genome and are sequence-verified.
  • For customers interested in alternative variants of SARS-CoV-2, or synthetic RNA or DNA controls for other sequences, Twist can provide custom controls in multiple formats.

eFFECTOR Therapeutics Doses First Patient with COVID-19 in Phase 1b Clinical Trial Evaluating Zotatifin as a Host-Targeted Antiviral Agent

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Coronaviridae, Zoonoses, Animal diseases, Sarbecovirus, Antiviral drugs, Human coronavirus 229E, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Coronavirus, Coronavir, COVID-19, Middle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus

The Phase 1b trial is a double-blind, randomized dose escalation trial in non-hospitalized patients ages 18-65 with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Key Points: 
  • The Phase 1b trial is a double-blind, randomized dose escalation trial in non-hospitalized patients ages 18-65 with mild to moderate COVID-19.
  • Further, in vitro studies have shown that zotatifin has potent antiviral activity across all unique coronavirus subtypes tested, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and CoV-229E.
  • Zotatifin, eFFECTORs inhibitor of eIF4A, has recently completed the dose-escalation portion of a Phase 1/2 trial, and is now progressing into Phase 2a indication-specific expansion cohorts.
  • Neither LWAC nor eFFECTOR gives any assurance that either LWAC or eFFECTOR or the combined company will achieve its expectations.

Delta Variant Testing Device Developed by UAT Group Affiliate, Bacter Scientific

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Coronaviridae, Sarbecovirus, Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Zoonoses, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, COVID-20

Each new copy of a virus contains tiny copying errors or variations in its genome which is what is referred to as a variant.

Key Points: 
  • Each new copy of a virus contains tiny copying errors or variations in its genome which is what is referred to as a variant.
  • Novi is the only hand-held, portable, battery powered device with built-in redundancy, delivering the most accurate results of any testing device.
  • A US government SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG) developed Variant Classifications that defines three classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • Bacter Scientific does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

AB Science announces the publication of an article in the world-renowned journal Science that confirms potential of masitinib as a treatment of Covid-19 with anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and all tested variants of concern

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Health sciences, Medicine, Health, Sarbecovirus, Zoonoses, Antiviral drugs, Biocides, 3C-like protease, Masitinib, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Broad-spectrum antiviral drug, COVID-19

This direct-acting antiviral mechanism of action distinguishes masitinib from many other COVID-19 drugs, including polymerase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies.

Key Points: 
  • This direct-acting antiviral mechanism of action distinguishes masitinib from many other COVID-19 drugs, including polymerase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies.
  • Also reported for the first time are data on the effectiveness of masitinib as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug in animals.
  • Remarkably, masitinib was also effective, in vitro, against all tested variants of concern, including the rapidly spreading Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants.
  • Thus, masitinib is a relatively broad-spectrum antiviral with potential activity against multiple viruses that rely on 3CL protease to complete their life cycle.

ENZO BIOCHEM RECEIVES FDA EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION FOR RAPID EXTRACTION METHOD ON PROPRIETARY TEST SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF CORONAVIRUS SARS-CoV-2

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Coronaviridae, Sarbecovirus, Zoonoses, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Assay, COVID-19, DiaSorin, Curative

The rapid extraction method can be used on platforms including Enzos proprietary GENFLEX automated high-throughput platform, Qiagens QIAsymphony SP lower-throughput platform and Enzos manual workflow.

Key Points: 
  • The rapid extraction method can be used on platforms including Enzos proprietary GENFLEX automated high-throughput platform, Qiagens QIAsymphony SP lower-throughput platform and Enzos manual workflow.
  • The AMPIPROBE SARS-Cov-2 Test System includes three components: sample collection, AMPIXTRACT SARS-CoV-2 Extraction Kit for sample processing, and AMPIPROBE SARS-CoV-2 Assay Kit for detection and analysis.
  • We are positioned to support rapid scale up and advance the new solutions in molecular testing that can address major challenges like COVID.
  • The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this release.

US COVID-19 Surveillance Needs an Urgent Boost, Says AHF

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Infectious diseases, Genetics, Public policy, Government, Healthcare reform, White House, Federal Government, Health, State, Local, Public policy, Other Policy Issues, Coronaviridae, Sarbecovirus, Zoonoses, Bat virome, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Variant, SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant

New cases are up 129.3% from their lowest point on June 20, 2021, according to CDCs data on a seven-day moving average of recorded cases.

Key Points: 
  • New cases are up 129.3% from their lowest point on June 20, 2021, according to CDCs data on a seven-day moving average of recorded cases.
  • The most common strain of the virus is the highly infectious Delta variant, but the US is falling behind other developed countries in tracking and identifying new strains.
  • SARS-CoV-2 is highly prone to genetic variation as it replicates and spreads across different populations.
  • To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org , find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare
    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210719005833/en/

Selva to Present Preclinical Data at ASV 2021 Demonstrating Prophylactic and Therapeutic Oral Dosing of SLV213 for COVID-19 Protected Lungs from SARS-CoV-2-Induced Damage

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 19, 2021
Science, Biotechnology, Research, Pharmaceutical, Health, Infectious diseases, Hospitals, Clinical trials, Medicine, Medical specialties, Clinical medicine, Sarbecovirus, Antiviral drugs, COVID-19 drug development, Immune system, Zoonoses, Monoclonal antibody, Remdesivir, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Additional in vitro data show that SLV213 greatly enhances the efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir, two drugs that target the virus.

Key Points: 
  • Additional in vitro data show that SLV213 greatly enhances the efficacy of remdesivir and molnupiravir, two drugs that target the virus.
  • These data will be presented at the 40th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Virology (ASV) taking place virtually July 19-23.
  • Similar to monoclonal antibodies, SLV-213 inhibits the activation of the spike protein required for SARS-CoV-2 to infect a cell.
  • At ASV 2021, Selva will present data showing SLV213 protected lungs against damage when given as a therapeutic or a prophylactic in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model, compared to untreated controls.

EPA Adds Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Texas to Existing Public Health Emergency Exemption for Grignard Pure™ as Only Antiviral Air Treatment for Use Against COVID-19

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 19, 2021
White House, Federal Government, Public policy, Government, Health, Infectious diseases, Environment, General Health, Coronaviridae, Sarbecovirus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome

The additional Emergency Exemptions are approved for Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Texas, joining Georgia and Tennessee, which were approved on January 14, 2021.

Key Points: 
  • The additional Emergency Exemptions are approved for Maryland, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Texas, joining Georgia and Tennessee, which were approved on January 14, 2021.
  • Grignard Pure is the first and only EPA-approved antimicrobial air treatment solution designed to significantly reduce the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air, where transmission is most likely.
  • The EPA undertook a thorough review of the products health, safety, and efficacy performance, and confirmed Grignard Pures effectiveness in killing more than 98% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  • To learn more about Grignard Pure, including access to safety and efficacy reports, visit GrignardPure.com or call 1 (855) 642-PURE (7873).

EPA Approves Mass Transit Air Treatment Solution for Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Maryland

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 19, 2021
Zoonoses, Health, Animal diseases, Sarbecovirus, Biocides, Epidemiology, Infectious diseases, Antimicrobial, COVID-19, Severe acute respiratory syndrome, Virus

Administered through Luminator Technology Group 's (Luminator) Renew Air Treatment System , the solution provides continuous protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Key Points: 
  • Administered through Luminator Technology Group 's (Luminator) Renew Air Treatment System , the solution provides continuous protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Approved use sites in Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Maryland include intrastate transportation.For a complete listing of approved use sites, please visit EPA's website .
  • Luminator's Renew Air Treatment System dispenses the antimicrobial air treatment through a connected, technologically advanced system that measures and automatically adjusts the amount of Grignard Pure that is dispensed.
  • "We know now with certainty that the virus is airborne, and an antimicrobial air treatment solution is needed to combat the virus particles.

Lexogen Solutions for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Branches of biology, Biology, Molecular biology, Life sciences, Biotechnology, DNA, Sarbecovirus, Transcriptomics technologies, DNA sequencing, RNA-Seq, Whole genome sequencing, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

To help in the fight against the ongoing pandemic Lexogen, a leader in RNA sequencing technologies, has validated two workflows that provide robust, fast, and easy methods to improve SARS-CoV-2 sequencing for reliable variant tracing:

Key Points: 
  • To help in the fight against the ongoing pandemic Lexogen, a leader in RNA sequencing technologies, has validated two workflows that provide robust, fast, and easy methods to improve SARS-CoV-2 sequencing for reliable variant tracing:
    SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC Panel for Illumina - The panel is a multiplexed amplicon-based whole genome sequencing approach for SARS-CoV-2, developed by the ARTIC Network.
  • For more information about SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing Solutions, please visit our webpage .
  • Established in 2007, Lexogen is a leading company in transcriptomics, next-generation sequencing, and RNA analysis.
  • Lexogen is the leader in 3' RNA sequencing, a technology proven for its efficiency, its robustness, and its sensitivity.