The majority of diagnostic tests currently used for respiratory viruses are rapid immunoassays which are chosen due to their low cost and convenience; however, one of the key downsides of these rapid tests is their poor sensitivity.

A fully automated, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based molecular diagnostics system, which is designed to offer fast and easy access to clinical molecular diagnostic information, anywhere and anytime has been launched for the diagnosis of respiratory infectious diseases.

The platform covers the entire process from sample to result in a time frame of 35 to 150 minutes with less than two minutes hands-on time. The platform is applicable for a wide range of clinical sample types and can analyze both ribonucleic acid (RNA) and DNA. A new panel for the platform is intended for the detection of various strains of Influenza Virus (IFV) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The Idylla Respiratory IFV-RSV Panel (Biocartis Group NV; Mechelen, Belgium) is designed for the qualitative detection of nucleic acids of Influenza A, Influenza A subtype H1, Influenza A subtype H3, Influenza A subtype 2009 H1, H275Y mutation of Influenza A subtype 2009 H1, Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) subtype A and RSV subtype B from nasopharyngeal swabs of adult and pediatric patients. The panel uses the Idylla molecular diagnostics platform to aid in the diagnosis of respiratory viral infection. The Idylla Respiratory IFV-RSV Panel received CE-IVD marking on November 18, 2015, and is being launched for commercial use in Europe and other countries recognizing the CE-marking. Janssen Diagnostics (Raritan, NJ, USA) has appointed Biocartis as co-exclusive worldwide distributor of the test.

Rudi Pauwels, PhD, CEO of Biocartis, said, “Collaboration is a key aspect of the strategy that we outlined at the time of our Initial Public Offering, in order to accelerate our menu development and speed up our commercial reach. Janssen has been a long-standing and very supportive partner of Biocartis. We are therefore delighted with the launch of such a high performance quality Idylla Respiratory IFV-RSV Panel. The combination of oncology and infectious disease tests demonstrates the versatility of our Idylla platform, one of the reasons why Janssen Diagnostics chose to work with Biocartis.”

Related Links:
Biocartis Group NV 
Janssen Diagnostics