The Native Antigen Company, one of the world’s leading suppliers of reagents that enables research into vaccines and diagnostics for emerging and endemic infectious diseases, has announced the commercial introduction of its Novel Coronavirus antigens, derived from the emerging Wuhan strain.

These recombinant proteins offer scientists high-quality reagents to support ongoing infectious disease research, and the development of diagnostics and vaccines.

The Native Antigen Company has developed rapid response manufacturing capabilities to produce reagents for emerging epidemic diseases according to the World Health Organisation's R&D Blueprint, which urges the accelerated development of vaccines and the increased availability of accurate and reliable diagnostics for priority emerging infectious diseases. These antigens have been derived specifically from the newly identified Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) using The Native Antigen Company’s proprietary mammalian, VirtuE expression system. This system is able to introduce proper protein folding and post-translational modifications to recombinant proteins, which are essential for full biological and antigenic activity.

Dr Andy Lane, Commercial Director, The Native Antigen Company, said: “Our mission is to reduce the global burden of infectious disease by developing the highest-quality reagents in rapid response to emerging public health threats. The release of these Coronavirus antigens within one month of the newly identified 2019-nCoV genome being published exemplifies the power of The Native Antigen Company’s recombinant protein platforms to prepare reagents in response to new threats.

As one of the first recognised suppliers to release 2019-nCoV proteins, we are proud to be able to offer these antigens to in vitro diagnostics and pharmaceutical researchers to help drive the development of serological assays and vaccines that will be vital in stemming the spread of this disease.”

According to Professor Richard Tedder, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, this represents a major step forward in efforts to contain the outbreak: “The Native Antigen Company’s Coronavirus antigens could aid the development of accurate serological assays to identify asymptomatic individuals who have been infected by the virus, and help to assess the true level of infection in any population. The availability of these antigens also supports researchers’ efforts to rapidly develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV by providing vital reagents to measure vaccine responses.”

Learn more about Coronavirus antigens

About Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

2019-nCoV is a new strain of Coronavirus that was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China and is currently under global surveillance by the WHO. It is a rapidly emerging pathogen with more than 24,000 confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease from 24 countries, although the vast majority of cases are still within China. Illnesses associated with 2019-nCoV are similar to several other respiratory diseases and show the typical features of viral pneumonia, including fever, dry cough, sore throat and headache. Most cases are considered mild to moderate with a subset experiencing more severe illness with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The national mortality rate in China at present is ~2% of confirmed cases (WHO, 2020*). There is no vaccine currently available to prevent 2019-nCoV infection, although a number of companies and government organisations are in the process of developing one.

* Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), World Health Organisation (WHO), 2020.

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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