Enhancing detection of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a defining global crisis for the mankind and it will take years to draw the consequences posed by the threat of a few genes. While COVID-19 has been the nightmare and hope for majority, the life-sciences and healthcare industries have taken it up as the new objective.

HiMedia’s Animal Cell Culture business was the first to forge ahead and continue to supply the viral transport media, one of the most crucial products, mandatory for collection and transport of COVID-19 samples. The Animal Cell Culture Team at HiMedia set out to develop and manufacture the below products as a part of their COVID-19 package:

• MHiViralTM viral transport media (VTM kits with swabs);
• COVIDSafeTM virus inactivation medium; and
• ELISafe 19TM ELISA antibody detection kit.

While the country experienced a shortage of skilled professionals during this national emergency, the risk of handling the live virus, the threats of exponential COVID 19 spread and, cold chain transport from rural areas were major challenges. The COVIDSafeTM virus inactivation medium proved to be conducive to overcoming the challenges that HiViralTM offered.

COVIDSafeTM medium inactivates the SARS-CoV-2 from patient’s samples, ensuring safety during handling, transport at ambient temperature and processing of molecular tests like RT-qPCR, sequencing, etc.

ELISafe 19TM kit (EL001) has been developed for detection of IgG antibody against S1 spike protein for SARS-CoV-2, for qualitative measurement in human plasma/serum by ELISA. This kit is useful for sero-surveillance of population, containment area, to open workplaces and detecting symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals to avoid the spread of COVID-19 infection. The ELISafe 19TM is useful for pre and post-vaccination monitoring through the detection of IgG antibodies.

HiGenoMB®, the molecular biology business division of HiMedia Laboratories, has been no different. In an aim to become a complete solution provider for COVID-19, its R&D team was redirected toward development of a comprehensive molecular diagnostic platform for COVID detection as follows:

• HiPurA® viral RNA purification kit (MB615M) magnetic bead based;
• InstaNX® Mag series of automated DNA/RNA extrac­tion (Mag32 and Mag96);
• Pre-filled plates for InstaNX Mag series; and
• Hi-PCR® coronavirus (COVID-19) multiplex probe PCR kit (MBPCR243).

Automated instruments not only help increase the processing speed but also provide consistency in data while avoiding erroneous results. The best in class super quick and ready to use extraction kits have been developed with an intention of reducing the processing time so as to handle the very sample load during these times.

The Hi-PCR® multiplex real-time PCR kits were developed for sensitive and reliable detection of the virus. The Hi-PCR coronavirus (COVID-19) multiplex probe PCR kit can be used to detect COVID-19.

The HiGenoMB® motto has been to have a multi-dimensional approach for detection of COVID-19 and serve the market with unique yet easy to use customised kits, without compromising on the quality of products.

In addition to being a strong research and innovation based organization, HiMedia is a company par excellence, committed to offering products which not only add value to our product portfolio, but also prove to be of great value to the Indian market. Moreover, in 2021, we plan to provide our maximum support to all essential services including vaccine manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, clinical set-ups, healthcare and food industry through our range of microbiology media and sanitation products.

We continue our approach toward introducing many IVD kits for COVID-19 to serve humanity and the nation.