Sam Brusco, Associate Editor06.27.22
Cepheid and BioGX have begun collaborating to deliver a PCR test for Monkeypox to run on the GeneXpert system. There are over 40,000 installed GeneXpert systems in 180 countries, meaning this test could be quickly deployed in multiple settings.
According to the CDC, Monkeypox is rare and doesn’t spread easily between people without close contact. However, chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, syphilis, herpes, and medication-associated allergies can present with similar symptoms. This underscores the need for a molecular test that can identify monkeypox.
"Our FleXible Cartridge program gives Cepheid the ability to work with external partners to develop accurate tests quickly when the need arises," said David H. Persing, M.D., Ph.D., Cepheid's EVP and chief scientific officer told the press. Beginning with Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) and continuing with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Influenza H1N1, Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2 among others, Cepheid has a long history of quickly developing and delivering tests that address urgent public health issues as they emerge."
BioGX has worked with governments agencies and diagnostic partners in the past to quickly develop and manufacture molecular tests to detect emerging pathogens.
"We previously collaborated on a project with the CDC to develop and manufacture a multiplex Monkeypox/Orthopoxvirus test for a GeneXpert-based study3, and now with Cepheid we are moving to the validation stage utilizing the FleXible cartridge," said Michael Vickery, Ph.D., BioGX's EVP and chief scientific officer. "Regional response teams need a PCR test that is fast and easy to implement when they suspect an outbreak due to a novel pathogen."
According to the CDC, Monkeypox is rare and doesn’t spread easily between people without close contact. However, chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, syphilis, herpes, and medication-associated allergies can present with similar symptoms. This underscores the need for a molecular test that can identify monkeypox.
"Our FleXible Cartridge program gives Cepheid the ability to work with external partners to develop accurate tests quickly when the need arises," said David H. Persing, M.D., Ph.D., Cepheid's EVP and chief scientific officer told the press. Beginning with Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) and continuing with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Influenza H1N1, Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2 among others, Cepheid has a long history of quickly developing and delivering tests that address urgent public health issues as they emerge."
BioGX has worked with governments agencies and diagnostic partners in the past to quickly develop and manufacture molecular tests to detect emerging pathogens.
"We previously collaborated on a project with the CDC to develop and manufacture a multiplex Monkeypox/Orthopoxvirus test for a GeneXpert-based study3, and now with Cepheid we are moving to the validation stage utilizing the FleXible cartridge," said Michael Vickery, Ph.D., BioGX's EVP and chief scientific officer. "Regional response teams need a PCR test that is fast and easy to implement when they suspect an outbreak due to a novel pathogen."