In response to the global coronvirus pandemic, Brea-based Beckman Coulter announced Tuesday that it is developing assays to identify antibodies to the virus.
Research has shown that after infection with the coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, viral antigens stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can be detected with IgM and IgG tests.
“Antibody assays play a critical role in understanding the measure of immunity an individual has developed against SARS-CoV-2,” said Kathleen Orland, senior vice president and general manager of Beckman Coulter’s chemistry and immunoassay business. “This type of understanding could help determine the identification of those who would require a vaccine once available or when an infected individual could safely return to work.”
Once the assays are finalized, Beckman Coulter intends to follow the FDA’s Emergency Use Notification process established March 16 in response to the public health emergency.
“With the ability to assess a patient’s immunity to SARS-CoV-2, this testing modality may enable clinicians to clear hospital staff, emergency responders and others to get back to work with an indication that have had prior exposure and therefore may have immunity to the disease,” said Dr. Shamiram R. Feinglass, chief medical officer at Beckman Coulter. “This test also could allow those without immunity to be identified and kept safe until the pandemic subsides.”
More information on the new assays can be found at www.beckmancoulter.com/coronavirus.