NeoVentures has successfully developed aptamers for both the spike protein and the nucleoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Spike protein aptamers were developed against a recombinant S1 protein from the Wuhan strain expressed in HEK293 cells in order to maintain appropriate glycosylation, counter selection was performed against SARS-CoV (SARS) S1 protein. A high level of specificity for SARS-CoV-2 was obtained.
Aptamers with low nM kD values for each protein were identified. NeoVentures has entered into several confidential partnerships for the development of COVID-19 diagnostics based on these aptamers. We have found that the nucleoprotein aptamers are providing us with the necessary sensitivity (1E3 to 1E5 virus particles/mL) for commercial antigen detection. We are prepared to license aptamers for both protein targets to third parties. Please contact us if you would like more information.
