New antigens support research into BA.5 variant, currently responsible for over half of global COVID-19 cases

The Native Antigen Company (part of LGC Clinical Diagnostics), one of the world’s leading suppliers of reagents that enables research into vaccines and diagnostics for emerging and endemic infectious diseases, today announced the commercial launch of its latest SARS-CoV-2 antigens for the newly designated Omicron BA.5 variant. The Company’s 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.

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 WHO-designated Variant of Concern (VoC) now accounts for more than 50% of the world’s cases1, demonstrating increased transmissibility and the ability to evade both natural and vaccine induced immunity. The Native Antigen 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.

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.

Ish Jalal, Commercial Director, 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.”

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About The Native Antigen Company

The Native Antigen Company is one of the world’s leading suppliers of reagents that enable research into vaccine development and diagnostics for emerging and endemic infectious diseases. The Native Antigen Company specialises in the development and manufacture of native and recombinant viral and bacterial antigens, antibodies and immunoassays, alongside bespoke product development and custom manufacturing using its proprietary mammalian cell expression system.

The Native Antigen Company’s team have decades of experience in the isolation and purification of native antigens and high-yield mammalian cell expression systems, ensuring conformity to native type. The Company’s high-quality reagents have been widely adopted by leading pharmaceutical, in vitro diagnostic assay manufacturers, and academic groups in cutting-edge vaccine research and serology, where correct folding and glycosylation are vital.

The Native Antigen Company prides itself on an ethical and sustainable approach, exemplified by its use of 100% renewable energy and recycled packaging wherever possible, and building honest and transparent relationships with its customers and collaborators.

Founded in 2010, The Native Antigen Company is located in Oxford (UK) and has a global network of distributors.

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About LGC Clinical Diagnostics

LGC’s Clinical Diagnostics Division develops and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of catalogue and custom-developed diagnostic quality solutions and component materials for the extended life sciences industry. We partner with IVD assay developers, and pharmaceutical, CRO and academic institutions in commercialization activities across the entire diagnostic pipeline - from concept and early stage research, through expedited product development and onwards into routine clinical use. Laboratorians and diagnostic professionals across disciplines of clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, serology, molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics rely on LGC’s products to support accurate and reliable diagnostic results.

Our operating entities include Technopath Clinical Diagnostics, SeraCare Life Sciences and Maine Standards Company, which are in vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers of quality measurement tools (calibrators, controls, linearity, EQA/PT, biological materials). Our 400+ employees operate FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited facilities in Tipperary, Ireland, Maine, Massachusetts and Maryland, USA, and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK. Each day, our world-class staff, scientific expertise, operational efficiency and superior quality systems are ready to support the range of advanced technologies that collectively improve patient outcomes - from the widely adopted and established through to cutting-edge NGS and precision diagnostics.