Research teams around Ulrich Elling at the Institute for Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) and Luisa Cochella at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) have succeeded in combining the sensitivity of PCR diagnostics with the high-throughput advantages of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Their SARSeq method can process tens of thousands of samples in less than 48 hours. Each sample can be uniquely labelled with sequence-identifiers – or barcodes – to allow for pooled sequencing with subsequent computational readout. It comprises much fewer steps than standard PCR testing, is independent of current bottlenecks in supply chains, and reagent costs are cut by around 90 percent. Moreover several nucleic acid sections or nucleic acids can be analysed in parallel enabling the detection of variants or multiple pathogens in one step. This renders the method particularly valuable for mutational surveillance or differential diagnostics. In Austria, SARSeq has been employed for sequencing the vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 samples since January 2021. Adaption to other infections or diseases such as cancer is readily possible.
Ascenion, IMBA’s technology transfer partner, has worked closely with the scientists to secure optimal patent protection and supported the closure of the licencing agreement with a Chinese company.