Genscript Biotech : Receives FDA Emergency Use Authorization for World's First SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection Kit

November 06, 2020

cPass™ SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Antibody kit is the only EUA authorized virus-free testing assay that detects neutralizing antibodies within an hour

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY, November 06, 2020 - GenScript USA Inc., the world's leading research reagent provider, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the cPass™ SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Antibody Detection Kit. This is the first commercially available test in to specifically detect neutralizing antibodies in patient samples without the use of live virus. Neutralizing antibodies, a subset of antibodies that are specifically able to block the ability of the virus to enter a cell, are widely recognized biomarkers of immunity. The test measures the presence of neutralizing antibodies in patients recovering from COVID-19 or receiving a vaccine.

The conventional method for measuring neutralizing antibodies in patient samples requires testing to be performed in a high safety-level facility (BSL3) staffed with specialized personnel. Typically, results from the live virus assay are available in several days and due to the unpredictable nature of the live virus and live cells reagents used, these tests are also difficult to standardize. Results from different facilities may vary, even if performed using the same protocol. In contrast, the cPass™ kit utilizes pure proteins that can be produced in a more reproducible way. The detection of the presence of neutralizing antibodies can also be performed in most standard laboratories with short turnaround time (~1hr), making it broadly available and much more consistent between different facilities. Furthermore, a comparison of the direct clinical performance between the conventional live virus and the cPass™ assay shows results from both tests are strongly correlated.

'Unlike commercially available antibody-based tests that are routinely used for detecting prior exposure to the virus, the cPass™ kit can assess both prior exposure and the presence of neutralizing antibodies in convalescent patients,' said David Martz, vice president of new product management in Life Science Group at GenScript, 'The cPass™ kit is also a valuable tool for assessing vaccine performance. When vaccine companies start phase II or III trials, a standardized test that can detect neutralizing antibodies will be needed for a large cohort of patients to evaluate the efficacy of vaccines within different populations and regions.'

'This cPass™ test can be used to screen animals for SARS-CoV-2 infection without modification, as it is a species independent,' added Professor Linfa Wang, director of Duke-National University of Singapore's Emerging Infectious Diseases program.

The cPass kit is yet another example of GenScript's continued commitment in supporting the healthcare community in combatting COVID-19 infections.

About GenScript Biotech Corporation

GenScript Biotech Corporation (Stock Code: 1548.HK) is a global biotechnology group. Based on its leading gene synthesis technology, GenScript has developed four major platforms including the global cell therapy platform, the biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) platform, the contract research organization (CRO) platform and the industrial synthesis product platform.

GenScript was founded in New Jersey, US in 2002 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2015. GenScript's business operation spans over 100 countries and regions worldwide, with legal entities located in the U.S., Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Netherlands and Ireland. GenScript has provided premium, convenient, and reliable products and services for over 100,000 customers.

GenScript has a number of intellectual property rights and technical secrets, including more than 100 patents and over 270 patent applications. As of June 30, 2020, GenScript's products and services have been cited by 51,000 peer-reviewed journal articles worldwide.

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Corporate Contact:

Eric Wang, vice president of marketing
GenScript
[phone] ext.131
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