In response to global demand for dependable technologies designed to optimize COVID-19 testing, Atik Cameras, specialist designer and manufacturer of advanced scientific imaging solutions, has developed the new VS255 and VS825 cameras for use specifically with quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) instruments – the most commonly used systems for detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These commercially-competitive, custom cameras, which mark the latest additions to Atik Cameras’ VS Series of scientific charge-coupleddevice (CCD) cameras, offer superior sensitivity and image quality.
“The camera of a qPCR instrument plays a key role at the amplification stage of the testing process, recording the fluorescent signals of the viral genetic material, with the greyscale version of the image being analyzed to generate either a positive or negative result,” explained Stephen Chambers, CEO at Atik Cameras. “With the paramount importance of the COVID-19 challenge, it was vital that Atik Cameras provided products that were well suited to the task. Drawing on our scientific imaging expertise, as well as our extensive research and development capabilities, we’ve developed the VS255 and VS825 cameras to offer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and clinical diagnostic laboratories high-performing tools to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of active COVID-19 infections.”
The VS255 camera has been equipped with a wealth of features designed to maximize the diagnostic potential of qPCR instruments. Owing to its advanced cooling capabilities, the camera offers optimal sensitivity and image quality through the reduction of dark current. Image quality is further enhanced due to the camera’s binning capabilities combined with its pixel size. The VS825 camera is a bespoke, modified version of Atik Cameras’ Infinity camera, featuring integrated cooling capabilities alongside custom firmware and software.
For more information, visit: www.atik-cameras.com/product/atik-vs-range/
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EKF Diagnostics, the global in vitro diagnostics company, has launched a PrimeStore MTM (molecular transport media) sample collection kit. This new kit enables convenient and safe collection, transportation and handling of pathogenic samples, including COVID-19 and influenza. Two kit configurations are now available: a postal sample kit ideal for home use and a multi-pack of sample kits suitable for on-site mass sampling. To meet growing demand for this sample collection device, EKF has increased its manufacturing capacity in the UK and mainland Europe.
Pathogenic samples stored in the FDA-cleared, CE-IVD marked PrimeStore MTM novel viral transport media, including SARS-CoV-2, are inactivated within minutes of collection. This allows such samples to be transported safely through the postal system or via courier and complies with UN3373 packaging regulations.
Furthermore, as samples are stable in PrimeStore MTM for seven days at ambient temperatures, this removes the need for all cold chain logistics during sample collection, transportation and storage. Thereby, preventing mishandled samples and making postal collection a realistic option.
The new sample collection kit pairs PrimeStore molecular transport media in a cryovial with a sterile flocked swab (for nasal and oral sampling) in a CE marked kit, which also includes a UN3373 95kPa compliant specimen collection bag, absorbent pad and instructions for use. In addition, the postal sample collection kit includes a UN3373 compliant postal box with security seal for sample return and postal pouch for collection kit delivery.
For more information, visit: www.ekfdiagnostics.com
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OXGENE, a biotechnology company designing and developing scalable gene therapy technologies, has launched its scalable, plasmid-free manufacturing system for AAV. OXGENE’s new TESSA technology addresses industrywide challenges associated with robust and reproducible AAV manufacture at scale. These include high cost of goods and low packaging efficiency. TESSA aims to deliver a paradigm shift in scalable AAV manufacture.
Adeno-associated virus, or AAV, is a popular choice of viral vector to deliver gene therapies to patients, owing to its low immunogenicity, favourable safety profile and the ease with which it transduces numerous cell and tissue types. However, manufacturing systems have not kept pace with biological advances, leaving these therapies costly, difficult to produce at scale, and subject to inherent batch-to-batch variability. This represents a serious challenge to regulators and health authorities when it comes to approving these treatments for clinical use.
OXGENE’s TESSA technology overcomes manufacturing obstacles by taking advantage of AAV’s natural relationship with another virus – the adenovirus. In nature, AAV co-exists with adenovirus, which provides the ‘help’ AAV needs to replicate. However, as well as replicating the AAV, the adenovirus also replicates itself, leading to high levels of adenoviral contamination if this process is translated to an industrial context.
OXGENE has addressed these challenges by manipulating the adenoviral life cycle so that it can still provide high quality help for AAV replication, but is unable to manufacture itself, reducing adenoviral contamination by 99.9999% in a manufacturing run. Integration of the AAV rep and cap genes into the adenoviral vector means that everything required for AAV production, except the AAV genome, can be provided in a single viral vector. Meanwhile, the AAV genome can either be encoded within a second TESSA vector, in a plasmid, or within an AAV particle itself. Using two TESSA vectors improves yields of AAV2 by 40-fold, accompanied by a 2000-fold increase in particle infectivity compared to a standard three-plasmid manufacturing approach.
Once this first AAV seed stock has been produced, co-infecting cells with this AAV alongside another TESSA vector can further amplify the AAV in a simple, reproducible and scalable manner, removing the reliance on expensive and limiting plasmids for AAV manufacture.
OXGENE has so far developed and validated TESSA vectors for AAV2, 5, 6 and 9 and is now taking requests for service projects and product pre-orders to further develop and evaluate this technology.
For more information, visit: www.oxgene.com/TESSA
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