The Native Antigen Company today (November 2) announced the commercial launch of its latest SARS-CoV-2 antigens for the newly designated Omicron BA.5 variant.
The company, part of LGC Clinical Diagnostics, is a supplier of reagents enabling research into vaccines and diagnostics for emerging endemic infectious diseases.
The new range of RBD (receptor binding domain) antigens will support scientists in the research and development of in vitro diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines for the current variant of concern.
Omicron antigens
Since the discovery of the Omicron variant in November 2021, further mutations have led to the categorization of other variants, including BA.5 in February 2022.
This latest World Health Organisation-designated Variant of Concern (VoC) now accounts for more than 50% of the world’s cases, demonstrating increased transmissibility and the ability to evade both natural and vaccine induced immunity.
The company’s BA.5 specific antigens add to its existing range of Omicron reagents, supporting cutting -edge research into the variant to facilitate the development of more effective serological assays and vaccines.
BA.5 variant
The Native Antigen Company’s BA.5 antigens were raised using its S1 and S2 recombinant Spike proteins as immunogens. Produced in the company’s proprietary mammalian expression system, VirtueE, the antigen exhibits full glycosylation and folding to ensure that antibodies raised against it are highly specific.
The company’s BA.5 Spike RBD includes residues 23-245 of the full Spike protein sequence in combination with a C-terminal His-tag, to allow for simple and effective purification.
Expand range
Ish Jalal, commercial director at The Native Antigen Company, said: “Our BA.5 antigens are the result of our ongoing efforts to expand our extensive range of reagents for coronavirus research across antigens, antibodies, receptor enzymes and custom development services.
“After developing the initial Omicron Spike antigens just five weeks after it was designated a VoC, we have continued to show our commitment to responding to our customers’ needs and providing access to high quality reagents to support scientists in the research and development of diagnostics and vaccines to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.”