On Sept. 14, 2020, Meridian Bioscience announced the launch of a novel highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2 antibody pair to the trimeric spike protein to accelerate development of COVID-19 assays from patient saliva. Coronavirus-neutralizing antibodies primarily target the trimeric spike (S) glycoprotein on the viral surface that mediates entry into the host cell. This antibody pair binds to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike protein.

Intentionally designed and screened for the development of rapid saliva antigen tests, these antibodies recognize a linear epitope of the SARS-CoV-S1 trimeric protein. The antibody pair is the first-of-its-kind, having sensitivity down to picograms per milliliter as measured by ELISA. Further, the antibody pair is highly specific to the SARS-CoV-2 trimeric spike protein and does not cross react with other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV, HCoV-229F, HCoV-HKUI, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-OC43.

Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic products. We are dedicated to developing and delivering better solutions that give answers with speed, accuracy and simplicity that are redefining the possibilities of life from discovery to diagnosis. Through discovery and development, we provide critical life science raw materials used in immunological and molecular tests for human, animal, plant, and environmental applications. Through diagnosis, we provide diagnostic solutions in areas including gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections and blood lead level testing. We build relationships and provide solutions to hospitals, reference laboratories, research centers, veterinary testing centers, physician offices, diagnostics manufacturers, and biotech companies in more than 70 countries around the world.