bioMérieux has been a major global player in the field of infectious disease diagnostics for more than 55 years. True to its public health mission, the Company decided early on in the epidemic to begin working on the development of diagnostic tests for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19.
e-Zyvec is a three-year-old start-up based in Lille. A spin-off from the University of Lille and the CNRS, and supported by SATT Nord, it was founded to provide an innovative service in biological and genetic engineering to both university research laboratories and biotechnology companies. The innovation brought by eZyvec is based on the use of an exclusive DNA assembly method, enabling the rapid and precise creation of molecular tools known as DNA vectors. These DNA vectors are essential for producing recombinant proteins in selected biological systems, such as viral protein antigens used to develop serological tests.
In the starting blocks
The first contact to collaborate on the SARS-CoV-2 project dates back to March 18, 2020.
As soon as the scientific community highlighted the potential value of serology tests in combating the pandemic, bioMérieux began researching and designing several recombinant SARS-CoV-2 antigens for use in the development of serology diagnostic tests. The initial challenges were to produce and test many different antigens in a very short period of time.
Keeping pace
Very quickly, a series of online meetings were held to define scientific strategies and validate the designs of the DNA vectors to be built. The two companies maintained a close partnership, resulting in the production of several series of vectors, each series addressing specific questions: Which viral antigen would be best recognized? What would be the best expression vector? Can we optimize them further?
The finish line!
Since mid-May, bioMérieux has been officially marketing two VIDAS SARS-CoV-2 tests (IgM & IgG) that have received CE marking. The Vidas® anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG tests provide results in less than 30 minutes and demonstrate excellent performance on a wide range of clinical samples, with 99.4% and 99.9% specificity, respectively.
Every member of the eZyvec staff is particularly proud to have seized this opportunity to contribute to the collective effort during this difficult period. We are very pleased that our technological know-how and scientific expertise were called upon by bioMérieux to accomplish this specific but essential task: the creation of several DNA vectors for the production of recombinant viral antigens. During this unusual period, everyone has been inspired by the spirit of collaboration and the common goal of contributing to the fight against the pandemic. Carine Morel, Director of e-Zyvec.