Roche launches next-generation viral load assay for hepatitis B detection

Roche has announced the launch of its new Cobas hepatitis B virus (HBV) quantitative nucleic acid test, which has received European CE Mark approval.

Designed for use on the Cobas 6800/8800 Systems, the assay offers broad coverage of all known HBV genotypes with high sensitivity across all critical medical decision points, thus further expanding the viral load monitoring portfolio on the molecular diagnostic platform.

The Cobas 6800/8800 Systems, combined with the viral load assay portfolio, are designed to improve laboratory efficiency and provide rapid results to accelerate informed treatment decisions.

They are based on Nobel-prize winning PCR technology and are designed to deliver increased automation and throughput with shorter time to results.

Roland Diggelmann, chief operating officer at Roche Diagnostics, said: "With the Cobas HBV assay, laboratories now have a highly robust and sensitive assay for quantifying HBV DNA, with a lower sample requirement that provides a new standard of flexibility."

Last month, the company announced the acquisition of Signature Diagnostics, a translational oncology and genomics company that develops biobanks in multiple cancers.