Roche launches new diagnostic test for immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Roche launches new diagnostic test for the better understanding of immune response to SARS-CoV-2.

• The test supports the better understanding of immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination
• The test detects T-cell response, which may play an important role in determining if immune protection has been achieved
• The new diagnostic test may provide clinical care guidance, particularly for immunocompromised and high-risk patient groups

With the transition from a pandemic to an endemic state of COVID-19, there is an increasing need to better understand the adaptive response of the human immune system to SARS-CoV-2. An effective antiviral immune response requires coordinated T- and B-cell activities. While B-cells produce antibodies that can potentially neutralise viruses, T-cells can target infected cells to prevent further viral replication and spread. SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as COVID-19 vaccination, induce both T- and B-cell responses, in people with a normally functioning immune system, and a timely and well-coordinated T- and B-cell response is likely the key in infection control.

While antibody testing has been adopted to measure antibody-mediated immunity, there is increasing evidence that measuring the complementary T-cell response may play an important role in determining the overall protection level achieved^2,3. The Elecsys IGRA SARS-CoV-2 test is intended as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2, which is indicative of past exposure to the virus or COVID-19 vaccination.

“The Elecsys IGRA SARS-CoV-2 test can provide a deeper understanding into immune response,” said Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “This in turn may help to understand and identify those at higher risk of progressing to severe disease during an existing or future infection. This is particularly important in immunocompromised and high-risk patient groups that represent up to 20% in a given population⁴. The test results can help healthcare professionals to provide them with long-term guidance like appropriate treatment.”

With the launch of the test, Roche adds another important diagnostic solution to its COVID-19 portfolio to help health care providers, public health authorities, and patients in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This further highlights Roche’s commitment to support clinicians and their patients in reducing the impact of infectious diseases.