ICMR Approves Krivida Novus RT-PCR Kit Detecting Omicron Variant
KRIVIDA Novus RT-PCR kit, developed by Chennai-based KRIYA Medical technologies in collaboration with ImmuGenix Bioscience, has received approval from ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The kit detects the SARS-CoV-2 virus and also differentiates the Omicron variant from Delta and other variants. The test takes just about 45 minutes to detect the infection and determine the variant.
Commenting on the approval, Anu Moturi, CEO and Founder, KRIYA Medical Technologies said, “KRIVIDA Novus is a one of its kind test that not only differentiates the variants, but also detects the sub-lineages of Omicron. The kit is compatible with Real-Time PCR machines with a test run time of roughly 45 minutes. It not only tackles the issue of delayed testing, but it also helps in swift prevention of spread. Furthermore, since the test can differentiate between variants, it’s also ideal for entry point screening of travellers at airports.”
Dr Naveen Kumar Venkatesan, Chief Scientist, Founder and Director, ImmuGenix Biosciences said, “Currently, patients who test positive for COVID-19 have to undergo Genome Sequencing to know the variant they have been infected with. KRIVIDA Novus kit employs a specific pattern of a unique combination of 'SGTF' (S Gene Target Failure) strategy and ‘Omicron specific amplification signal’ to detect the variant. The kit detects the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) and all its sub-lineages, such as BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3”
KRIVIDA Novus kit can detect COVID-19 and differentiate the other variants from Omicron in single-tube assay.
It is compatible with most real-time PCR machines with a test run time of 45 minutes, enabling the testing sites to conduct 2,160 tests within 24 hrs.
The kit detects SARS-CoV-2 using five different gene targets and it has a variant specific S gene probe for the newly emerged Omicron.
KRIVIDA Novus picks up all the sub-lineages of Omicron, such as, BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3.
The test is most suitable for entry point screening at airports.
KRIVIDA Novus will be produced at KRIYA’s manufacturing facility in Oragadam in Chennai. The company currently has a manufacturing capacity of 5 million kits and plans to increase it to 10 million within a week depending on the demand.
The test is priced competitively and it will soon be commercially available across the country.
