Monkeypox test kits developed by Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche
- The diagnostic tools could help researchers track the virus as it spreads beyond countries where it is usually found
- More than 250 confirmed and suspected cases have been reported to the WHO from 16 countries outside west and central Africa
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche said Wednesday it had come up with PCR tests that can detect monkeypox, as the virus spreads outside endemic countries.
Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol have developed three test kits which are for use by researchers in most countries worldwide, the Basel-based firm said.
The first kit detects viruses in the wider orthopoxvirus group. The second detects monkeypox viruses only, while the third detects both simultaneously.
“Roche has very quickly developed a new suite of tests that detect the monkeypox virus and aid in following its epidemiologic spread,” diagnostics chief Thomas Schinecker said.
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“Diagnostic tools are crucial for responding to and ultimately controlling emerging public health challenges as they advance response measures such as tracing efforts and treatment strategies.”