HiMedia’s Covid-19 PCR Kit detects the JN.1 variant

HiMedia Laboratories announces that its RT-PCR kits are capable of detecting the recently discovered JN.1, SARS-CoV-2 variant. The portfolio includes:

• MBPCR243 – Hi-PCR® Coronavirus (COVID-19) Multiplex Probe PCR Kit
• MBPCR255 – Hi-PCR® Triplex COVID-19 Detection Kit
• MBPCR262 – Hi-PCR® COVID FLU Multiplex Probe PCR Kit
• MBPCR270 – Hi-PCR® COVID FLU RSV Multiplex Probe PCR Kit

JN.1 (BA.2.86.1.1) is a descendant of the BA.2.86 (Pirola). Pirola is the nickname of the BA.2.86 variant of Omicron, a variant of SARS-CoV-2. The number of cases caused by JN.1 and its close relative Pirola is on the rise all over the world. The first case of this variant was detected in the Denmark in August and later in USA. Cases of JN.1 have been found in some European countries, in Singapore, in China, and recently in Kerala, Maharashtra and in other states across India.

We tested the impact of the variant on our Multiplex PCR Kit. Mutations, especially in RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 were expected and strain JN.1 is an example of the same. Its immune-escape capabilities have made it a variant of concern.

“Multiplexing has the substantial advantage of increased accuracy of data normalization, more data and higher throughput with limited samples in addition to sensitive and specific detection of multiple targets while eliminating the possibility of false positives, all in just one single run” says Dr Rajas V Warke – Director of HiGenoMB® and Virology, HiMedia Labs.

To determine whether their RT-PCR kits can detect the JN.1 variant of the virus, the Bioinformatics Experts team at Hi-Gx360® (www.himedialabs.com/in/molecular-biology/hi-gx360.html) analyzed the latest genome sequencing data available from GSAID in depth. DNA sequences are dynamic; the potential of the sequences to mutate due to errors in DNA replication caused by various genetic or acquired possibilities makes it imperative for us to keep learning and upgrading our kits for attaining accuracy in diagnosis. In summary, based on our comprehensive bioinformatics analysis all of our above mentioned kits can detect the JN.1 variant. At HiGenoMB® the motto has always been to have a multi-dimensional approach for detection of Covid-19 and serve the market with unique yet easy to use alternatives, without compromising on the quality of products.

Dr Rajas adds, ‘’The ability of our CE-IVD and CDSCO approved kits to detect variants such as BF.7, Delta and Omicron stands unhindered with its promising capability to also detect the new variant at higher sensitivity.’’
MB Bureau