Roche and TIB Molbiol have added three additional Research Use Only (RUO) test kits for the detection of mutations present in the novel B.1.1.529 Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: VirSNip SARS Spike ins214EPE (RUO), VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L S373P (RUO), VirSNip SARS Spike E484A (RUO). The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variant, Omicron (B.1.1.529), as a COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC). The VirSNiP variant kits allow differentiation between unique mutations present within the Omicron variant compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants and are for use on LightCycler? and cobas? z 480 analysers. Using a technology called qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) they can help researchers with improved variant detection and viral research, and are among the first to address the number of unique mutations of the Omicron variant. The test kits have been developed by TIB Molbiol, with Roche announcing the legal completion of the purchase agreement of the Berlin-based company on 1 December 2021. This has enabled Roche to deliver an agile response to the evolving variant situation. TIB Molbiol?s researchers work in collaboration with their academic contacts to continually screen for new variants and emerging diseases allowing a fast and effective response to emerging healthcare needs. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, TIB Molbiol and Roche provided the first research use only SARS-CoV-2 detection test in January 2020, only days after the new coronavirus was first sequenced. TIB Molbiol offers a broad range of VirSNiP variant kits for the detection of key spike protein mutations. TIB Molbiol has now added three additional research use only (RUO) VirSNiP kits for the detection of mutations present in the novel B.1.1.529 Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant: VirSNip SARS Spike ins214EPE (RUO), VirSNiP SARS-CoV-2 Spike S371L S373P (RUO), VirSNip SARS Spike E484A (RUO). They can be used for SARS-CoV-2 virus research as well as detecting mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants. VirSNiP kits are for research use only, not for diagnostic procedures. The mutations in the Omicron variant do not affect the performance of the LightMix? Modular SARS-CoV-2 (COVID19) N-gene, E-gene, nor RdRP-gene kits. These kits are launched globally (excluding the USA). Roche also offers in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests to accurately diagnose COVID-19 and the cobas? SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1 test (RUO) for use on the cobas? 6800/8800 Systems, which is an automated, multiplex, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the rapid in vitro qualitative detection and discrimination of selected SARS-CoV-2 mutations E484K, N501Y and deletion HV-69/70 in e.g. nasal and nasopharyngeal swab specimens collected viral transport media (VTM). The test is designed to be used with known SARS-CoV-2 positive samples and to support the understanding of variant epidemiology for Population Health Management. Based on initial analysis, the cobas? SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1 test (RUO) is predicted to detect one of the Omicron variant mutations known as del 69-70 in the spike protein, the region that enables the virus to attach to and enter the human cell. It can therefore be used as a tool to presumptively identify Omicron. Roche is currently working to generate additional data to supplement analysis around this test.