Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched Applied Biosystems HIV-1 Genotyping Kit with Integrase, research use only an assay that examines positive samples of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to identify genetic variants that resist common antiretroviral therapeutics.

HIV RNA extracted from EDTA plasma or dried blood spots is analysed with the assay to measure genomic mutations in the protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase regions of the pol gene. Data from these tests are intended to help inform global epidemiologic and genetic surveillance studies to track the ongoing evolution of the virus.

The kit is designed to support the detection of the UNAIDS 2030 95-95-95 HIV targets, which aims to have 95 per cent of people living with HIV being diagnosed, 95 per cent who are diagnosed receiving treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment be virally suppressed. This enhanced research assay, which is compatible with the recently launched Applied Biosystems MagMAX Viral/Pathogen Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for HIV-1 Blood Spots, provides laboratories with a standardised tool for drug resistance surveillance of HIV mutations to antiretroviral therapeutic inhibitors which can help identify global areas of need.

The Applied Biosystems HIV-1 Genotyping Kit will analyse expanded targets associated with HIV drug resistance that include mutations in the integrase region of the pol gene on Applied Biosystems Sanger sequencing CE instrumentation. It has been designed to offer broad Group M subtype coverage to address regions of the world with the greatest need such as Africa, Latin America, India and portions of Asia, where global health access pricing is available.