Co-Diagnostics develops diagnostic test for new coronavirus strain using CoPrimer platform

Co-Diagnostics Inc (NASDAQ:CODX) announced Tuesday that it has completed the principal design work for a PCR test that would allow researchers to identify certain mutations in a newly detected variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.  The new coronavirus strain comprises several mutations and may be more contagious than its predecessors, the company said, which has led London and other areas to institute new restrictions over the weekend. Travel restrictions have also been put in place by countries concerned about exposure to the new strain of the virus. "One of the most important advantages of our CoPrimer platform is its ability to reliably and accurately differentiate between similar genetic sequences, in order to reduce the likelihood of a false positive diagnosis,” CEO Dwight Egan said. “The multiplexing capabilities of our CoPrimer platform go hand-in-glove with the technology's applications in detecting small genetic variations in a given gene. As we have demonstrated earlier on during this pandemic, our technology also facilitates rapid test development that we believe could help get testing solutions on the ground quickly as impactful mutations are identified." READ: Co-Diagnostics says it has sold 10 million of its Logix Smart COVID-19 Test Kits to US and global network of labs, hospitals, and distributors Co-Diagnostics said that the genetic mutations in the new variant are not expected to interfere with the performance of the company’s existing line of coronavirus diagnostics, and that any new test developed for this mutation would be a separate product, distinct from its other tests. Co-Diagnostics' existing Logix Smart COVID-19 kit is available to all clinical laboratories certified under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and is authorized to be used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the US and many other countries. The company's Logix Smart test runs on its trademark CoPrimer technology and CoDx software. Contact Andrew Kessel at andrew.kessel@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @andrew_kessel