Sorrento Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: SRNE) has announced that the preliminary testing of COVISTIX on recombinant N proteins showed the potential of detecting the Omicron variant besides detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus and other variants of concerns like Delta+ and Delta strains.
The case report confirms the ability of COVISTIX to detect Omicron variant
A recent case report of a Mexican patient infected with the Omicron variant found initially with COVISTIX in around 15 minutes test time proved the ease of use and prompt detection of Omicron infection. The result was validated by RT-PCR a day later, and the sequence was confirmed as Omicron infection after a few days.
Sorrento has also tested COVISTIX’s ability to identify the Omicron strain in a lab setting, comparing it to other commercially available COVID-19 viral rapid antigen tests that have received EUA approval. COVISTIX was able to detect the Omicron N protein at a substantially lower level than other commercially available assays, according to preliminary lab data. Because the Omicron N protein is difficult to detect at low levels, some EUA-approved and marketed fast tests may struggle to detect Omicron infection at a suitable sensitivity. False-negative interpretations for infected asymptomatic people may result in a false sense of security, making it difficult to control epidemics and resume normal social and business activities.
Sorrento to expand production capacity of rapid COVISTIX tests
The company now has a monthly capacity of 30 million COVISTIX tests and is expanding its manufacturing capacity in the United States. In Q1 2022, Sorrento expects to have a fully automated assembly lineup capable of producing 6 million COVISTIX devices each month. This capacity could be increased to exceed 100 million monthly in 2022, depending on the US and global demand. In addition, Sorrento is in talks with several US states for incentive packages to expand its US manufacturing capacity, pending the strong US and global demand for COVISTIX tests.
COVISTIX currently has approval and is being marketed in Mexico, Brazil, and Europe, with the CE mark.
