As viruses evolve, new variants inevitably emerge. Our nearly three decades of experience in virus hunting and developing infectious disease tests have prepared us to stay one step ahead. With the appearance of new COVID-19 strains like KP.3 and KP.2, monitoring and ensuring the effectiveness of our tests is crucial, especially with increased activity during the summer and upcoming fall.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed 12 tests globally to detect the virus. Our dedicated team of virus hunters works tirelessly to ensure our tests can identify various variants—from alpha to omicron, and now the latest variants of interest, KP.3 and KP.2.
The emergence of new variants underscores the importance of precise identification, analysis, tracking, and testing of COVID-19. KP.3, KP.2, and KP.1.1, collectively known as the FLiRT variants, are the latest variants identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for monitoring. Although currently classified as “under monitoring,” meaning they are on the radar without immediate cause for alarm, our tests, both rapid (including BinaxNOW and Panbio) and PCR, continue to match these new variants, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
These new variants, KP.1.1, KP.2, and KP.3, are spreading globally, originating from the JN.1 variant and featuring new mutations in the spike protein. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of scientists, public health experts, and officials worldwide, we are not starting from scratch with each new variant. We have critical tools in the fight against COVID-19:
Dr. Mary Rodgers, one of our lead virus hunters, emphasizes, “We've been tracking viral mutations for over 27 years with our Viral Surveillance Program. We anticipated SARS-CoV-2 would mutate, just as we've seen with other viruses.” By anticipating and monitoring viral evolution, we ensure our tests remain effective and a critical line of defense against COVID-19.
As viruses evolve, so do we. We are committed to providing effective testing solutions, such as the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test and Panbio COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, offering peace of mind when it's needed most.
The Panbio COVID-19 test is not available in all countries. Not approved for sale in the USA.
This story was originally published on April 29, 2022, and updated on Dec. 12, 2022, May 8, 2023, January 16, 2024, and July 26, 2024.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Antigen Self Test has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. It has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.
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