Seegene has completed regulatory approval in Europe for the application of its assay capable of diagnosing four types of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, influenza A and B, and the common cold, to its fully automated compact testing equipment AIOS, making real-time PCR assays available at town clinics and small hospitals.

The company said on Wednesday it is now seeking regulatory approval for the testing in Korea and other many countries.

The company’s latest assay targets three genes related to the coronavirus despite mutations. In addition, it features improved accuracy with the addition of two internal controls to verify the validity of the sample and the test process. Testing results can be obtained within two hours by removing the time-consuming nucleic acid extraction process.

AIOS provides a streamlined process for PCR molecular testing from sample input to data analysis, with the entire workflow fully automated. Seegene plans to launch its first AIOS product next month.

The new equipment no longer requires a large installation space, and it provides high test efficiency and diagnostic utility as more than 30 Seegene assays can be applied to perform various syndromic tests with a single system.

AIOS is a unique modular configuration that integrates existing standalone instruments, leading to easy installation, upgrade and maintenance, according to the company. It generates same-day results even with small sample sizes, making it perfect for small hospitals and clinics.

By Chung Seul-gi and Minu Kim

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