Benzinga | Nov 29, 2021 05:44AM EST

Thermo Fisher Says Its COVID-19 Tests Can Detect Omicron Variant

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (NYSE:TMO) said that its COVID-19 diagnostic tests can accurately detect the new coronavirus variant Omicron.

* The Omicron variant has more than 30 mutations in the spike protein alone.

* Last week, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified the Omicron variant as a SARS-CoV-2 "variant of concern," saying it may spread more quickly than other forms.

* Thermo Fisher's TaqPath COVID-19 assays can report accurate results even if one of the gene targets is impacted by a mutation.

* Read Next: Thermo Fisher's COVID-19 Response Revenue Accounts For 22% In Q3 Sales, Boosts FY21 Outlook.

* Specific genotyping assays to detect the Omicron variant are being developed for Thermo Fisher's TaqMan Mutation Panel.

* The panel, which is currently used for research purposes, already has a menu of over 50 assays to assess confirmed COVID-19 cases for the presence of known variants and mutations.

* Also See: Qiagen Says Its COVID-19 PCR Tests Can Detect The New South African Variant.

* Price Action: TMO shares traded higher by 1.04% at $645.40 during the premarket session on the last check Monday.