Virax Biolabs Introduces Monkeypox and Varicella-Zoster Viruses Real-Time PCR Detection Kit

By: Virax Biolabs Group Limited via GlobeNewswire

July 26, 2022 at 08:00 AM EDT

London, United Kingdom, July 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virax Biolabs Group Limited (“Virax” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: VRAX), an innovative biotechnology company focused on the prevention, detection, and diagnosis of viral diseases, today launched distribution of Monkeypox and Varicella-Zoster Viruses Real Time PCR Detection Kits in response to the world’s major Monkeypox outbreak. These specialized diagnostic kits are available now in Europe and can be found by contacting the company’s sales representatives.

The test is intended to aid in the rapid diagnosis of Monkeypox and varicella-zoster viruses in human serum and lesion exudate specimens, providing a preliminary test result. Clinical correlation with patient history and other diagnostic information is necessary to determine patient infection status.

Virax’s Chief Executive Officer James Foster commented, “Realizing the growing concern over the Monkeypox outbreak, we need to bring these kits to the marketplace as soon as possible. Our ViraxClear segment specializes in providing diagnostic devices at low cost, and enables simple purchases. This upcoming launch further demonstrates these capabilities on the heels of our successful suite of Covid-19 tests that have been revenue-generating since 2020. This PCR Detection Kit will assist in making earlier diagnoses which will help with patient treatment and management.”

Dr Bruce Lavin, a member of Virax’s advisory board commented, “After experiencing the significant impact that SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has had in the world, we have learned the importance of rapid detection and diagnosis of emerging and spreading viral threats to the public. Monkeypox is now another communicable viral disease that is showing alarming global spread and concern to public health. Monkeypox and Varicella-Zoster rapid PCR detection kits distributed by Virax Biolabs offer a unique and much needed tool in helping with the containment of the spread of disease and allow for the urgent subsequent treatment of two very significant viral infections.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 6,027 laboratory confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported in 59 countries as of July 4, 2022¹, and it was declared as a global health emergency on July 24, 2022. Monkeypox is caused by an orthopoxvirus and can be transmitted from animals to humans and human to human. Symptoms can begin with a high fever, headaches, body aches, and weakness. After about two days, blistering rashes and boils on the face, hands, and feet start. Patients are advised to be in isolation throughout the duration of the disease, which can last until three to four weeks.

About Virax Biolabs Group Limited

Founded in 2013, Virax Biolabs Group Limited is an innovative biotechnology group focused on the detection and diagnosis of viral diseases, with a particular interest in the field of immunology.

Virax Biolabs Group Limited is currently developing a proprietary T-Cell Test technology with the intention of providing an immunology profiling platform that assesses each individual’s immune risk profile against major global viral threats. T-Cell testing is particularly effective in the diagnosis and therapeutics of COVID-19 as well as other threats including Hepatitis B, Malaria, Herpes and Human Papillomavirus. For more information, please visit www.viraxbiolabs.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

¹ https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/2021-dha-docs/20220706_monkeypox_external_sitrep_final.pdf?sfvrsn=1b580b3d_4&download=true

Company Contact:

Virax Biolabs Group Limited
Cameron Shaw, Chief Operating Officer
Phone: +44 7954 488 982
Email: cs@viraxbiolabs.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Skyline Corporate Communications Group, LLC
Lisa Gray, Senior Account Manager
One Rockefeller Plaza, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10020
Office: (646) 893-5835
Email: lisa@skylineccg.com