Singapore, Jul 21, 2009: Building on its widely distributed multiplex PCR technology platform, Seegene is now providing healthcare systems worldwide with a powerful diagnostic test for effective identification of the new influenza A virus (swine H1N1).

The Seeplex RV Detection assays are said to provide a wide range of screening capabilities for Influenza A, while simultaneously testing for up to 18 other respiratory viruses in a single multiplex PCR test.

According to the company, during this current influenza A outbreak, its RV products using the company’s sequencing primer patch for final confirmation of swine H1N1 are in use by approximately 200 hospitals worldwide including Mexico, Spain and Korea.

In a recent direct comparison of commercially available diagnostic tests, Seegene’s multiplex PCR technology is said to have returned the best results for screening for new influenza A virus in a trial conducted by the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion. The Seeplex RV12 ACE Detection with H1N1 primer patch showed 100 percent specificity and 95 percent sensitivity in testing for Swine-origin influenza virus (SOIV) in nasopharyngeal specimens.

Seegene offers its supplemental H1N1 specific primer in all respiratory virus detection products while the current H1N1 outbreak lasts. By using this additional primer, any suspicious sample can be checked by two-way detecting process - first detection by Influenza A conserved matrix (M) gene primer, then subsequent or simultaneous detection by new H1N1 specific hemagglutinin (H) gene primer.

To help prepare health systems for a robust response in the upcoming flu season, Seegene is expected to release a dedicated multiplex PCR test for Flu A sub-typing in September, which is capable of simultaneously detecting the most common subtypes (H1, H3 and H5) seen in the current and past outbreaks.