First Zika Virus Antigens Launched

Aalto Bio Reagents, the largest provider of raw materials to the in-vitro diagnostics industry and to research laboratories, have announced the availability of the first full range Zika Virus antigens. Zika virus (ZIKV) the cause of 28 documented outbreaks in the Pacific region since 2012 is a mosquito-borne flavivirus related to yellow fever virus (YFV), dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya (CHIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV). It is a single stranded RNA virus transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.

The virus was first identified in rhesus monkeys during sylvatic yellow fever surveillance in the Zika Forest in Uganda in 1947 and was later reported in humans in 1952. In 2007 an outbreak of ZIKV was reported in Yap Island, Federated States of Micronesia. ZIKV also caused a major epidemic in the French Polynesia in 2013-2014 and New Caledonia reported imported cases from French Polynesia in 2013, and an outbreak in 2014. Most recently Brazil has reported a ZIKV outbreak in the city of Bahia.

Aalto Bio Reagents is now offering a complete suite of ZIKV antigens to diagnostic test manufacturers and researchers globally to complement our Dengue antigens and Chikungunya antigens launched earlier this year.

“Our industry has an unrelenting requirement for access to the most scientifically proven raw materials, a broader range of flexible controls and faster diagnostics. At Aalto Bio Reagents we are continuously expanding our product portfolio to meet this need. By bringing a first in market suite of CHIKV antigens as well as recent raw material development for a new range of recombinant Chikungunya virus antigens and partially purified cell culture derived IgE we continue to enable our clients to bring superior best-in-class diagnostic products to market faster,” said Philip Noone, CEO, Aalto Bio Reagents.