Roche launches new coronavirus antibody test

Roche is launching a new antibody test that will identify people to have already been infected with coronavirus whose bodies have now developed antibodies against the virus. The test should help in developing vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In specific terms, the test focuses on antibodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The majority of vaccine candidates are aimed at inducing an antibody reaction against the spike protein.

The test will initially be launched in countries that accept that CE mark of the European Union (EU), as detailed in a press release. Roche has, however, also applied for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new test is actually the Basel-based pharma group’s twelfth coronavirus test in its testing portfolio.

In addition to launching a new test, Roche has also announced a success in relation to its drug Actemra/RoActemra. This has proven to be successful in treating patients suffering from pneumonia linked to a coronavirus infection. Patients that were administered Actemra/RoActemra in addition to the standard treatment, were 44 percent less likely to require ventilation or die as the disease progressed in comparison with those patients to receive only standard treatment and a placebo.