RESEARCHERS and faculty members from the University of Santo Tomas (UST)-College of Science were commissioned by Singaporean biotechnology company MiRXES Pte Ltd. to conduct clinical validation for polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using nasopharyngeal and saliva samples.
According to lead proponent Pia Marie Albano PhD, using saliva could lessen the cost of testing, since patients can self-collect their own samples, thus eliminating the need for trained swab collectors.
Time and cost are further reduced by directly subjecting the saliva samples to PCR. For most commercial kits, the genetic material of the virus is first extracted before PCR can be performed.
Apart from determining if a patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which is commonly known as Covid-19, samples can be further tested for possible mutations or new variants.
“We have qPCR [quantitative PCR]-based kits that can identify the variants of concern, or VOCs,” said Albano, whose research experience focuses on molecular biomarkers of cancer and now, Covid-19. By exploring and validating new options for testing, cost and waiting time could be brought down eventually, which will make testing more accessible to the masses.
Led by Albano, the team is composed of Reuel Bennett, Dr.rer.nat., Nikki Heherson Dagamac, Dr.rer.nat. and Maureen Sabit PhD from the Department of Biological Sciences.
After the kits were developed and initially tested by MiRXES using contrived samples, Albano’s team was commissioned to further test the kits in clinical and community settings. More than 1,000 participants were invited to participate.
The team will write its report once sufficient data is obtained. If the kits are found to have the same diagnostic performances in comparison with other currently trusted test kits, MiRXES will apply for the approval of the Food and Drug Administration. Once registered, the kits can be commercially distributed in various parts of Asia.
In addition to her work at the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Albano teaches courses in medical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and biology of cancer.