• Roche is committed to supporting all those working to overcome the mpox outbreak by providing access to high-quality Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing
• Roche confirms that its cobas MPXV test, as well as the LightMix® research use only kits, detect the latest mpox virus variants
• It is actively working to enhance laboratory testing capacity for mpox worldwide
  
  

Roche announced that it is supporting the international response to the mpox global health emergency with its diagnostic tests developed for mpox, formerly known as monkeypox. Mpox, a viral disease that can spread easily between people and from infected animals, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) (14 August 2024).

Globally, Roche is partnering with governments, healthcare providers and organisations dedicated to combating the mpox outbreak. More specifically, Roche is actively working with its partners to enhance mpox laboratory capacity worldwide. In addition, Roche provides training for laboratories across the African continent at the Roche Scientific Campus in South Africa, as well as locally.

“Our commitment to support the global response to mpox began in 2022 when we developed a suite of tests to enable global access to rapid and high-quality PCR testing,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “Diagnostics are essential in addressing emerging public health challenges like mpox, as they enable healthcare providers to identify infected patients, devise effective treatment strategies and take appropriate actions.”

To detect the mpox virus, Roche developed three unique LightMix® Modular Virus kits* for use on either a LightCycler®480 II Instrument*, LightCycler® PRO or cobas® z 480 Analyzer, as well as the cobas® MPXV test for use on the cobas® 6800/8800 Systems.

LightMix Modular Orthopox / MonkeypoxVirus Kits

In May 2022, Roche and its subsidiary TIB Molbiol rapidly developed a new suite of tests that detect the virus that causes mpox and aid in following its epidemiologic spread. The LightMix Modular Orthopox / Monkeypox Virus Kits are assays that detect Orthopoxviruses, including the virus that causes mpox, using a technology called quantitative PCR (qPCR). To do this, the test is performed with a patient sample that is first extracted using an established nucleic acid (NA) extraction method. The assay is then performed on either a LightCycler®480 II Instrument*, LightCycler® PRO or cobas® z 480 Analyzer.

The LightMix Modular Orthopox / Monkeypox Virus kits are intended for use in confirmatory testing (evaluation and validation) in public health labs as Research Use Only, and are designed for research use in the majority of countries worldwide.