GENESIS products continue to detect SARS-CoV-2 mutant strain Omicron

On 26 November WHO designated B.1.1.529 a variant of concern(VOC) because of preliminary evidence of a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology. As a VOC, it was named Omicron.
Omicron has a large number of mutations including more than 30 genetic mutations of the spike protein. Some mutations have previously been associated with increasing transmissibility and making it easier for the virus to bind and attach to cells. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is targeted by some of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines, mutations in the spike protein therefore need to be closely monitored.

Figure quoted from WHO report

Current knowledge about Omicron from WHO report
Transmissibility:
It is not yet clear whether Omicron is more transmissible, causes more or less severe disease compared to other variants, or impacts the effectiveness of current COVID-19 vaccines.

Reinfection:
Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron, however information is limited.

Detection:
*Diagnostic tests, including PCR and antigen detection tests, continue to detect infection with Omicron.
Related products in GENESIS:
EZER COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
EZER COVID-19 Antigen Saliva Test
EZER SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR kit

Clinical management:
Corticosteroids and IL-6 receptor blockers do not target the spike protein and are still effective for managing patients with severe COVID-19.

We, Hangzhou GENESIS Biodetection Biocontrol co.,ltd, who are professional diagnostic equipment manufacture, providing COVID-19 IVD total solutions.
Declare that our Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Antigen test detects the nucleocapsid protein (N protein). It does not target the spike protein (S protein) of genetic SARS-Cov-2 Variants e.g., the Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Lambda (C.37), Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron (B.1.1.529) mutation. Therefore theoretically mutations in the spike protein do not affect the product performance and our test can detect the mutant SARS-CoV-2 strains.

GENESIS Kaibili COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test and EZER SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR kit continue to detect the infection, including the new variant Omicron.
We will constantly monitor the COVID-19 situation, particularly any variants of interest or concern, to ensure our tests stay as up-to-date as possible.