New service supports UK government test-to-release scheme for day 2 testing

Nonacus, a provider of genetic testing products for precision medicine and liquid biopsy, has announced the commercial launch of a new service for Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2, developed to enable the UK government’s Test-To-Release scheme. Assay development for the new service was funded by a grant from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

Government regulations, recently announced, set out the minimum standards that private sector providers must meet for SARS-CoV-2 tests for people arriving in England. All international arrivals to the UK are required to take a test on day 2 and day 8 of their quarantine period for variant surveillance. Day 2 samples shown to be positive from qRT-PCR testing will have the SARS-CoV-2  genomes sequenced to look for novel variants. Nonacus’ new service will support this scheme and enable monitoring of the disease.

During the pandemic, Nonacus expanded its accredited service facility to support a complete SARS-CoV-2 testing workflow and developed the new rapid Whole Genome Viral Sequencing library approach with nanopore sequencing.

Chris Sale, CEO of Nonacus, said: “We are proud to have developed this service and support the government’s test-to-release scheme. Our method will provide a faster, lower cost offering for Whole Genome Viral Sequencing, which will be key in identifying and monitoring variants. We look forward to supporting laboratories undertaking SARS-CoV-2 testing, as well as aiding public health institutions in their surveillance of the virus.”

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About Nonacus

At Nonacus we pioneer development of innovative genetic testing products which advance precision medicine and improve patient outcomes. Based in Birmingham UK, the company develops novel NGS library preparation solutions primarily in the non-invasive healthcare space and based on next-generation sequencing, targeted DNA sequencing and real-time qPCR kits. Nonacus products are designed to help customers analyse the most difficult of samples with a particular focus on ctDNA and FFPE. Allowing samples to be processed faster and with greater sensitivity and accuracy, while being compatible with leading instrumentation. During the current pandemic, we have diverted resources and expertise into developing simple, low cost and scalable testing products for SARS-CoV-2.