IIT Delhi Researchers Develop RT-PCR Based Assay To Specifically Detect Omicron Variant In 90 Mins

The new method is optimised to distinguish the wild-type from the Omicron variant in a dynamic range, using synthetic DNA fragments, and will help detect the Omicron variant within 90 minutes.

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New Delhi: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi have developed an RT-PCR-based assay that can specifically detect the Omicron variant of Covid-19 within 90 minutes, according to officials, PTI reported.

Currently, next-generation sequencing-based methods are used for the identification or screening of Omicron worldwide. These methods require more than three days.

The Kusuma School of Biological Sciences has developed a rapid screening assay. IIT has filed an Indian patent application for the same and is in process of initiating talks with potential industry partners.

"The assay is based on detecting specific mutations which are present in the Omicron variant and absent in other currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2. Primer sets targeting these unique mutations in the S gene were designed for the specific amplification of either the Omicron variant or other currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 and tested using real-time PCR," the PTI report quoted a senior IIT Delhi official as saying.

The official added that the assays were optimised to distinguish the wild-type from the Omicron variant in a dynamic range, using synthetic DNA fragments. The official explained that current methods of identification or screening for Omicron are next-generation based techniques that take more than three days and that the new method will help detect the Omicron variant within 90 minutes.

IIT Delhi had developed a method to detect Covid-19. The method significantly reduced the cost of testing, making it affordable for a large population in the country. The institute obtained an ICMR approval for this real-time PCR-based diagnostic assay and is the first academic institute to achieve this feat. The kit was successfully launched into the market after being approved by ICMR.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Omicron variant has been detected in 63 countries as of December 9.