LabCorp has launched a new test that can be used to assess the capacity of antibodies in patient plasma to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus for the development of COVID-19 vaccines and the screening of convalescent plasma for prophylactic and therapeutic use.

“By leveraging our drug development and diagnostic capabilities, we are working tirelessly to find solutions to prevent and treat COVID-19,” said Paul Kirchgraber, M.D., chief executive officer, LabCorp’s Drug Development business. “The launch of this neutralizing antibody assay is the latest effort in our company’s commitment to accelerate the evaluation of vaccine candidates so that a successful candidate may reach patients sooner.”

As the research for a safe and effective vaccine continues, serum collected from convalescent patients who had COVID-19 is being used to support treatment of the severely ill. As research advances, the PhenoSense assay may be an essential element in defining the neutralizing antibody activity correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of convalescent plasma administration, as well as the relative protective immunity of vaccine candidates.