GENEWIZ biological technology Co, Ltd, a enterprise in Suzhou Industrial Park, leads nationwide in completing the key gene synthesis of H7N9 avian influenza virus, while Immune Technology Corp, another enterprise in Suzhou Industrial Park, spares no efforts to develop detection kits which can accurately distinguish between ordinary influenza and H7N9 avian influenza, according to source on Apr 8.
Liu Weiqiang, person in charge of GENEWIZ biological technology Co, Ltd said that the company received an emergency notice from Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1:00 am on Apr 2 that it was hoped to develop synthetic gene of the key gene of H7N9 avian influenza virus as soon as possible. Upon receiving the notice, the company’s scientific research team of more than 20 people gave up the three-day-long holiday for Tomb-Sweeping Holiday and successfully completed two batches of virus gene synthesis on the afternoon of Apr 4 and at noon of Apr 5, which have already been sent to Beijing.
“With the synthetic gene, we are able to develop immune detection reagent, thus laying a foundation for the production of vaccine in the future,” Liu added. At present, research findings of Immune Technology Corp show that they have found an efficient specific antibody for the current prevalent H7 virus and all the tests is expected to finish in a week in order to provide a quick, efficient new tool available for mass detection of H7N9 infection in clinic. The new tool can accurately distinguish between patients with ordinary seasonal influenza and patients with H7N9 avian influenza in early infection, making it easier to isolate patients with H7N9 infection as early as possible.
