GenScript, a gene synthesis provider, has launched an assay for detecting the Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The fast, one-step 2019-nCoV quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) detection assay, or reagent, is designed to make it easier and faster to develop reliable molecular diagnostics to identify and treat the virus, and vaccines to ultimately prevent infection.
 
“Detecting the Wuhan virus in individuals can be difficult due to the long incubation period and the varying degree to which they are symptomatic,” said Hong Li, department head of reagent services, R&D, Genscript. “We have been working diligently to develop this assay for the global community, and we are pleased to launch it in the U.S. following its initial release in China. With standard, reliable assays for diagnosing the infection, clinicians will be better equipped to treat and hopefully stop the spread of the infection and save lives.” 
 
GenScript’s 2019-nCoV qRT-PCR detection assay is an enhancement on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) monoplex protocol published earlier this month after the virus was identified in Wuhan city in the Hubei Province of China. GenScript has developed a multiplex protocol that can detect two to three genes in one reaction, therefore accelerating the detection time of all three genes associated with the virus. GenScript’s production facility also has ISO13485 certification for oligo production to address the needs of the molecular diagnostic companies interested in developing kits for approval in the U.S. market. 
 
Although several coronavirus detection kits have been approved in China under expedited review, the U.S. FDA has yet to approve a diagnostic assay. Molecular diagnostics use DNA to identify pathogens more quickly and accurately than traditional culture-based methods, and can be particularly critical in the field of infectious diseases. 
 
In response to 2019-nCoV epidemic, GenScript also prioritized 2019-nCoV- related gene orders for research organizations developing vaccines or treatments for the deadly virus. A list of plasmids carrying useful genes related to virus detection and vaccine research are also available through Molecularcloud, a GenScript-operated reagent repository: https://www.molecularcloud.org/How-to-detect-the-2019-novel-coronavirus.html