RE: Good RNS.14 Dec 2020 08:01
Good morning Stoney. A good RNS and there is also an RNS from Novacyt regarding testing for new strains. The main part of importance i have copied and pasted below
OVID-19
Further to the announcement on 16 November 2020, Novacyt has launched the first RUO PCR test for a specific new mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as Y453F. Originally found in mink in Denmark and The Netherlands, the Y453F mutation quickly spread to humans and has also been detected outside of Europe1.
The mutation is of potential concern to scientists and clinicians as it causes an amino acid change which affects antibody binding. The Company believes this could have implications for vaccine strategies, which are predicated on stimulating a defined antibody response to the virus2. While it is unknown what, if any, impact the amino acid modification will have on vaccines, Novacyt believes a RUO test could help scientists and clinicians to identify patients that carry the virus with the Y453F mutation. Should a clinical need arise for the diagnostic differentiation of Y453F from other strains of COVID-19 infection, Novacyt is well positioned to offer this as a clinical use diagnostic product. The RUO product is immediately available to order.