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bioMérieux launches EPISEQ SARS-COV-2, a cloud-based software application for the epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants

bioMérieux

EPISEQ SARS-COV-2 will support microbiology labs in identification and reporting from raw sequencing data related to SARS-CoV-2 variants

23 Jun 2021
Dora Wells
Clinical Content Editor

Industry news

bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, has launched EPISEQ® SARS-COV-2, a genomic software solution to support microbiology labs in identification and reporting from raw sequencing data related to SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Viral mutation is a naturally occurring phenomenon leading to the emergence of variants that can have different characteristics. Today, a number of SARS-CoV-2 variants are circulating worldwide. Some of these variants are under particular scrutiny because of their impact on the pandemic (increased infectiousness or severity of infection, possible vaccine escape). Genomic surveillance of mutant circulation is therefore essential for public health.

Launched worldwide, EPISEQ® SARS-COV-2 is a new application, intended to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants using samples from positive patients. Automatically updated each week, the platform identifies variants based on international nomenclatures* including any new variant of concern (VOC) as defined by the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

EPISEQ® SARS-COV-2 is compatible with three major sequencing platforms (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, Thermo Fisher) and easy to use by any microbiology lab without bioinformatics knowledge or computing resources.

The application permits the export of viral genome assemblies and mutations in order to facilitate reporting to national public health authorities and for epidemiology studies.

“Microbiologists today deal with extensive data sets and need to translate these into meaningful information that impacts clinical decisions and public health actions. EPISEQ® SARS-COV-2 responds entirely to that challenge. It enables the in-depth analysis of complex viral genetic sequencing data without any need for specific bioinformatics competencies or major hardware investments.” noted Mark Miller, Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer.

Drawing on its expertise in microbiology and informatics, bioMérieux has developed BIOMÉRIEUX EPISEQ®, a genomic cloud-based computing platform that supports laboratories in the utilization of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and interpretation of its outcome. Multiple NGS- and cloud-based software modules are being developed on this platform.

“bioMérieux’s strategy is to leverage the tremendous potential of diagnostics data to support the fight against infectious diseases. Hence, we decided earlier this year to draw on our broad and deep expertise in the fields of data science, software development, and bioinformatics in order to develop an easy-to-use application to serve our customers using next generation sequencing to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants.” said Pierre Boulud, Chief Operating Officer, Clinical Operations.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Chem / BioinformaticsCheminformatics and bioinformatics are computational techniques used in chemistry and biology, respectively, for data acquisition, processing and storage. Cheminformatics focuses on compound information, whereas bioinformatics is mainly applied to analysis and modeling of genomics, genetic and sequencing information. Hardware and software is available for data acquisition, analysis, management and storage.Integration ServicesIncorporate lab systems, software and equipment with integration services.Software PlatformsSoftware platforms are useful for various stages of laboratory experiments from data collection to data storage and processing. For instance lab software is available for system control, data management, data analysis and qualification / validation.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.NGSGenetic VariationCloud Based SoftwareCoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.Covid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.

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bioMérieux launches EPISEQ SARS-COV-2, a cloud-based software application for the epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants