PerkinElmer Releases New Dried Blood Spot Based COVID-19 Serology Test
Fully automated kit detects human antibodies of immunoglobulin class IgG to help identify individuals with adaptive immune response
WALTHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE:PKI), a global leader committed to innovating for a healthier world, today announced the launch of a dry blood spot (DBS) based test for SARS-CoV-2 IgG using its GSP®/DELFIA® platform, enabling processing of up to 5,000 samples per day. The finger-prick sample collection device allows for both decentralized sample collection and high-throughput testing. The product is being marketed as a CE-IVD test, and the Company plans to apply for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Serological tests detect antibodies that are formed after an immune reaction to the pathogen has taken place. These tests can determine if an individual has developed immunity to a virus. Researchers are still studying how long antibodies last and whether they are protective against the COVID-19 virus.
The DBS assay is run on PerkinElmer’s GSP® analyzer, a fully automated and high throughput system for large population testing. The GSP combined with the universal TRF (time resolved fluorescence) of the DELFIA platform screens more than 30 percent of all newborn babies worldwide, spanning 32 countries. The traceable DBS workflow consists of five main elements: sample collection, punching, measurement on the GSPanalyzer, reagents, and software, to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay can also be run with serum or plasma samples via the Company’s Victor2™D platform. With an install base of over 2,500 GSP and Victor2D instruments, the capability for laboratories to meet heightened demand for COVID-19 testing is robust.
“Dried blood spot samples have been used in large scale population screening programs for decades and can help alleviate the costs and logistical constraints associated with collecting, transporting and processing venous blood for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing,” said Masoud Toloue, Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager, Diagnostics, PerkinElmer. “This CE-IVD marked assay enables decentralized collection, a much-needed tool in COVID-19 testing.”
PerkinElmer’s comprehensive SARS-COV-2 offerings span RT-PCR, high throughput RNA extraction, automation, ELISA and other laboratory solutions. This DBS based test follows the recently CE-Marked ELISAs for detection of IgG antibodies from EUROIMMUN, a PerkinElmer company.
About PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer enables scientists, researchers, and clinicians to address their most critical challenges across science and healthcare. With a mission focused on innovating for a healthier world, we deliver unique solutions to serve the diagnostics, life sciences, food, and applied markets. We strategically partner with customers to enable earlier and more accurate insights supported by deep market knowledge and technical expertise. Our dedicated team of about 13,000 employees worldwide is passionate about helping customers work to create healthier families, improve the quality of life, and sustain the wellbeing and longevity of people globally. The Company reported revenue of approximately $2.9 billion in 2019, serves customers in 190 countries, and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information is available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com.
Factors Affecting Future Performance
This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements relating to estimates and projections of future earnings per share, cash flow and revenue growth and other financial results, developments relating to our customers and end-markets, and plans concerning business development opportunities, acquisitions and divestitures. Words such as “believes,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “will” and similar expressions, and references to guidance, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current assumptions and expectations and no assurances can be given that our assumptions or expectations will prove to be correct. A number of important risk factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation: (1) markets into which we sell our products declining or not growing as anticipated; (2) effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on our sales and operations; (3) fluctuations in the global economic and political environments; (4) our failure to introduce new products in a timely manner; (5) our ability to execute acquisitions and license technologies, or to successfully integrate acquired businesses and licensed technologies into our existing business or to make them profitable, or successfully divest businesses; (6) our failure to adequately protect our intellectual property; (7) the loss of any of our licenses or licensed rights; (8) our ability to compete effectively; (9) fluctuation in our quarterly operating results and our ability to adjust our operations to address unexpected changes; (10) significant disruption in third-party package delivery and import/export services or significant increases in prices for those services; (11) disruptions in the supply of raw materials and supplies; (12) the manufacture and sale of products exposing us to product liability claims; (13) our failure to maintain compliance with applicable government regulations; (14) regulatory changes; (15) our failure to comply with healthcare industry regulations; (16) economic, political and other risks associated with foreign operations; (17) our ability to retain key personnel; (18) significant disruption in our information technology systems, or cybercrime; (19) our ability to obtain future financing; (20) restrictions in our credit agreements; (21) discontinuation or replacement of LIBOR; (22) the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union; (23) our ability to realize the full value of our intangible assets; (24) significant fluctuations in our stock price; (25) reduction or elimination of dividends on our common stock; and (26) other factors which we describe under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.
1Organic revenue is reported revenue, excluding the effect of foreign currency changes and including acquisitions growth from the comparable prior period, and including purchase accounting adjustments for revenue from contracts acquired in acquisitions that will not be fully recognized due to accounting rules. Also excluded is the impact of sales from divested businesses by deducting the effects of divested business revenue from the current and prior periods. Organic revenue growth refers to the measure of comparing current period organic revenue with the corresponding period of the prior year.
Contacts
Media Relations:
Brian Willinsky
(781) 663-5728
brian.willinsky@perkinelmer.com
Investor Relations:
Bryan Kipp
(781) 663-5583
bryan.kipp@perkinelmer.com