Siemens Healthineers Signs Agreement with A1 Life Sciences to Support Global Efforts to Track Variants

Not for publication in the USA

• Evolving portfolio of PCR-based assays for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants
  
• Diagnovital kits from A1 Life Sciences are designed to detect and identify SARS-CoV-2 mutations and complement Siemens Healthineers FTD SARS-CoV-2 Assay¹ for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection

Siemens Healthineers announced today a collaboration with A1 Life Sciences to support global efforts to track variants of SARS-CoV-2, enabling Siemens Healthineers to offer an evolving portfolio of PCR-based assays for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants. As SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) are rapidly spreading globally, identifying and understanding variant strains is becoming increasingly important.

Siemens Healthineers will now offer A1 Life Sciences‘ Diagnovital kits that are designed to detect and identify SARS-CoV-2 mutations and variants. This portfolio of A1 Life Sciences‘ Diagnovital kits will complement the FTD SARS-CoV-2 Assay, which is intended for the initial diagnosis of the infection. If a sample is identified as positive by the FTD SARS-CoV-2 Assay, then the residual extracted nucleic acid from the original sample can be reflex tested by the appropriate A1 Life Sciences‘ Diagnovital kit or combination of kits to identify if the positive sample harbors a mutation and/or is a variant.

“We are proud to join with Siemens Healthineers in the ongoing race to manage this pandemic,” said Umit Firat, CEO of A1 Life Sciences. “Their broad global reach will help us to further address the critical, ongoing need to efficiently and accurately identify variants.”

Identifying mutations and variants helps not only epidemiologists, but also helps support informed decision-making about public health actions to control spread. Given the certainty that further mutations and variants will emerge, along with the uncertainty as to whether these variants will become VOCs, the testing will be flexible and highly adaptable. With single-mutation formatted assays, like those in the A1 Life Sciences’ Diagnovital portfolio, laboratories can select from individual assays to create their appropriate testing scheme based on mutations prevalent in their region. A1 Life Sciences’ Diagnovital portfolio, as distributed by Siemens Healthineers, will be offered for Research Use Only around the world, but will not be offered initially in the U.S.

“Having these PCR variant detection kits widely available will provide clear and immediate benefits around the world,” said Corey Bouwman, Head of Molecular Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers. “With many national programs taking shape right now to identify and curb the spread of new and existing viral variants, availability is key. This is a critical step we all must take together to address this phase of the pandemic.”

Siemens Healthineers AG (listed in Frankfurt, Germany: SHL) is shaping the future of healthcare. As a leading medical technology company headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, Siemens Healthineers enables healthcare providers worldwide through its regional companies to increase value by empowering them on their journey towards expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery, improving the patient experience, and digitalizing healthcare. Siemens Healthineers is continuously developing its product and service portfolio, with AI-supported applications and digital offerings that play an increasingly important role in the next generation of medical technology. These new applications will enhance the company’s foundation in in-vitro diagnostics, image-guided therapy, in-vivo diagnostics, and innovative cancer care. Siemens Healthineers also provides a range of services and solutions to enhance healthcare providers’ ability to provide high-quality, efficient care to patients. In fiscal 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, Siemens Healthineers generated revenue of €14.5 billion and adjusted EBIT of €2.2 billion. Following the acquisition of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. the company has approximately 66,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available at www.siemens-healthineers.com.