Enzo Biochem, Inc. announced that its full-service clinical laboratory will begin accepting specimens for monkeypox (MPX) testing this week. Monkeypox is a rare, infectious viral disease that spreads by person-to-person transmission (through skin-to-skin contact, fomites, contact with body fluids, or lesion materials) and can lead to serious health consequences. The monkeypox virus (orthopoxvirus) belongs to the same family of viruses as the variola virus, the pathogen that causes smallpox.

Monkeypox has been spreading globally in recent months, having infected more than 30,000 individuals worldwide. Approximately 9,500 cases of monkeypox have been diagnosed in the U.S., with many more cases likely unreported. Enzo is building on the Company's decades of experience processing specimens for the detection of viral pathogens.

The monkeypox test to be offered by Enzo is an FDA-cleared, PCR-based DNA assay developed by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Enzo is concurrently applying its technical expertise in molecular diagnostics to develop a next generation monkeypox (orthopoxvirus) testing option. Enzo expects to address issues with regards to broadening collection methods, accelerating test turnaround times, and providing improved analytical sensitivity, and specificity.

In consultation with the CDC and the FDA, the Company plans to implement these enhanced test features. Enzo continues to meet the needs of clients in their efforts to provide comprehensive diagnostic testing solutions for emerging pathogens.