Eurofins Genomics U.S. launches new SARS-CoV-2 plasmid DNA controls and increases its capacity to produce probes and primers, all of which being key components of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing
14 April 2020
LOUISVILLE, KY — Eurofins Genomics U.S. announces that, together with its subsidiary BlueHeron Biotechnology, it has launched a series of SARS-CoV-2 plasmid DNA controls that can be used to verify the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They are intended to be used for both research and development and IVD diagnostic applications.
Eurofins Genomics U.S. offers three different COVID-19 controls, which target key segments of the 30,000 base SARS-CoV-2 genome. One of the positive controls, CVGP, covers a wide swath of the sequence so that users can set up multiple reactions under a single control. Eurofins Genomics U.S. is able to produce and ship the plasmid control within one day (12-18 hours from order receipt).
In addition to the SARS-CoV-2 controls, the company has ramped up production of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR RT) dual-labeled probes and primers for commercial and molecular diagnostic companies producing their own test kits. With six oligo production facilities globally, these probes have already fulfilled demand for millions of COVID-19 test kits worldwide. Despite the surge in demand for such material, Eurofins Genomics U.S. has managed to meet demand and exceed delivery timelines thanks to its logistical position in a major courier hub as well as proprietary synthesis technology. On average, Eurofins Genomics U.S. ships out qPCR assay panels in three days.
All material for SARS-CoV-2, both the qPCR RT probes and plasmid controls, are produced under ISO 13485 and ISO 9001 for IVD products. Eurofins Genomics U.S. has extensive experience partnering with IVD kit producers, which has allowed them to respond rapidly to the spike in demand for test kits.
This further demonstrates the commitment of Eurofins Genomics, global leader in genomic products and services, to take the lead to develop a full suite of products and services to support the COVID-19 crisis, including qPCR probes for targeting the virus, plasmid controls for validation, and testing kits for verification. Eurofins Genomics is able to leverage its unique network of analytical testing laboratories within the Eurofins Group, to provide holistic solutions at record turnaround times.
The SARS-CoV-2 Plasmid Controls are available for purchase on the Eurofins Genomics U.S. website.
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Notes for the editor:
About Eurofins Genomics – a global leader in genomic products and services
Eurofins Genomics, a member of the Eurofins Group with facilities in Europe, the United States and Asia, is an internationally leading provider of DNA sequencing services, next generation sequencing services, genotyping services, DNA synthesis products and bioinformatics services for pharma, diagnostics, food, agriculture, biotechnological and research markets. The company's strength is its extensive customer base and high quality services in industrial scale for the life science industries and academic research institutions around the world. For further information, please visit the Eurofins Genomics website.
About Eurofins – a global leader in bio-analysis
Eurofins Scientific, through its subsidiaries (hereinafter “Eurofins” or “the Group”), believes it is a global leader in food, environmental, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products testing and in agroscience CRO services. It is also one of the global independent market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, CDMO, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies. In addition, Eurofins is one of the leading global emerging players in esoteric clinical diagnostic testing. With over 47,000 staff across a network of more than 900 independent companies in over 50 countries generally specialised by end client markets and operating more than 800 laboratories, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products, as well as providing innovative clinical diagnostic testing services. The Group’s objective is to provide customers with high-quality and innovative services, accurate results on time and, when requested, expert advice by its highly-qualified staff.
Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by expanding both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and a very large range of testing methods.
As one of the most innovative and quality-oriented international companies in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients’ increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the increasing demands of regulatory authorities and healthcare practitioners around the world.
Shares in Eurofins Scientific are listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).
Until it has been lawfully made public widely by Eurofins through approved distribution channels, this document contains inside information for the purpose of Regulation (EU) 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on market abuse, as amended.
Important disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgment of Eurofins Scientific’s management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the information available to the Company’s management as of the date of publication, but no guarantees can be made as to their completeness or validity.