Aalto Bio Reagents Launches West Nile Virus Native and Recombinant Proteins for Diagnostic Testing

DUBLIN, N/A, IRELAND - May 18, 2017 - Aalto Bio Reagents today announced the availability of its first-to- market native and recombinant West Nile virus (WNV) proteins for diagnostic test manufacturers, vaccine developers and researchers globally. The new native West Nile virus antigens are available in both the Uganda strain B956 and New York strain 385-99. The E.coli derived recombinant protein represents structural domain III of the WNV envelope protein. Aalto Bio intends to become a global leader in the tropical disease and emerging pathogen sector. The recent addition of the WNV native and recombinant antigens further expands the company’s range of tropical diseases, which already includes Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue. This provides leading researchers and diagnostic manufacturers with a more diverse protein selection, facilitating the development of assays with greater specificity and sensitivity.

The first strain of WNV, B956, was identified in Uganda in 1937. This arbovirus is transmitted to humans primarily by mosquitos. Symptoms of the disease are similar to other acute febrile illnesses and severe neurologically effects develop in 1% of sufferers. WNV can also be transmitted to  humans through blood transfusions and organ transplants posing a significant threat as 80% of those infected are asymptomatic. WNV has re-emerged in recent years with the U.S. experiencing one of its worst epidemics in 2012 causing 286 deaths. In that same year, the largest ever outbreak in Italy was recorded and a new strain of the virus was detected.  Several genetic lineages of virus exist highlighting the importance of adapting serological tools to specific epidemiological situations. For this reason, Aalto Bio is offering WNV proteins from the 2 predominant lineages of the virus:

Lineage 1 -

Recombinant West Nile Envelope Glycoprotein (code CJ 6322)

Lineage 2 -

Native West Nile Virus Antigen, New York strain 385-99 (code BC 6338)

Native West Nile Virus Antigen, Uganda strain B956 (code BC 6340)

There is currently no WNV vaccine available on the market. Laboratory diagnosis of the virus is generally accomplished by serum testing as IgM antibodies are usually detectable 3 to 8 days after onset of illness and persist for 30 to 90 days. WNV IgG antibodies can also be detected shortly after IgM antibodies, but persist for many years following a symptomatic or asymptomatic infection making it difficult to distinguish whether it is a recent or old infection. Cross-reactions in serology are common among flaviviruses, and as such, efforts are focused on the development of diagnostic assays with a panel of viruses in order to increase the specificity for IgM antibodies.

Philip Noone, CEO of Aalto Bio Reagents, said “Complementing our existing portfolio of recombinant proteins and antibodies for Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika virus with the new WNV recombinant antigen and first-in-class WNV native antigens, provides our clients with a more comprehensive suite of products for tropical disease diagnostic testing. Aalto Bio endeavours to meet all assay format requirements for diagnostic manufacturers, for example in Chemiluminescence where native  antigen may be the preference, whereas for Western or line-blots, recombinant may be preferred. We will continue to focus on the expansion of our tropical disease products to enable our customers to bring superior, best-in-class diagnostic products to market faster, and aid in the development of life-saving vaccines.”

Founded in 1978, Aalto Bio Reagents is a leading developer and provider of raw materials to the in- vitro diagnostics industry and to research laboratories globally. We serve the largest multinational companies in our industry with a broad range of purified human proteins; monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies; fungal, parasitic, bacterial and viral antigens; and disease state plasma for in- vitro diagnostic application.

Since the company's inception, we have built strong working relationships with our clients who trust us to provide them with the highest quality raw materials to meet the exacting standards of their own product development requirements. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company is rapidly expanding both its product portfolio and customer base. For further information please visit http://www.aaltobioreagents.com

Contact: Technical Sales   Tel: +353-1-4900685 Email: info@aaltobioreagents.com