Oxford, UK: The Native Antigen Company (part of LGC Clinical Diagnostics), one of the world’s leading suppliers of reagents that enables research into vaccines and diagnostics for emerging and endemic infectious diseases, today announced the expansion of its norovirus-like particle range, with the addition of six new reagents, including four which are unique to the market. These virus-like particles (VLPs) are suitable for studies of norovirus protein structure and the research and development of vaccines and in vitro diagnostic assays.

The Native Antigen Company’s full norovirus-like particle range now comprises eight genotypes, four of which are unique to the market, GII.2, GII.6, GII.10 and GIX.1, as well as GI.3 and GII.17. The VLPs are suitable for a wide range of applications, including the development of serological assays, generation of anti-norovirus antibodies and studies of VLP structure. This expanded range adds to the Company’s extensive selection of recombinant VLPs for infectious disease R&D.

The Company specialises in the manufacture and purification of native and recombinant antigens and antibodies for viral and bacterial pathogens, offering researchers a reliable source of high-quality reagents for immunoassay development and manufacturing. The Company’s norovirus VP1 structural proteins are produced in its proprietary VirtuE™ (HEK293) and insect-baculovirus expression systems to form particles without the non-structural proteins or genome. The resulting high-purity VLPs display native-like epitopes and glycosylation patterns, while being non-infectious and safe to use.

Ish Jalal, Commercial Director, The Native Antigen Company, said: “Multiple novel norovirus strains have emerged in recent years, constituting a significant and growing health burden in both the developed and developing world. The high mutation rate of noroviruses and subsequent emergence of multiple strains has made the development of diagnostics and vaccines particularly challenging. By expanding The Native Antigen Company’s unique range of norovirus-like particles we hope to continue supporting cutting-edge research and development into this highly contagious disease.”

Norovirus is a small non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Caliciviridae family. It is a major cause of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis outbreaks, with symptoms including vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. Six norovirus genogroups have been identified to date, which are further subdivided into genotypes.

For further information about The Native Antigen Company’s norovirus VLP range, please visit: https://thenativeantigencompany.com/new-norovirus-like-particles-available/

About The Native Antigen Company thenativeantigencompany.com

The Native Antigen Company is one of the world’s leading suppliers of reagents that enable research into vaccine development and diagnostics for emerging and endemic infectious diseases. The Native Antigen Company specialises in the development and manufacture of native and recombinant viral and bacterial antigens, antibodies and immunoassays, alongside bespoke product development and custom manufacturing using its proprietary mammalian cell expression system.

The Native Antigen Company’s team have decades of experience in the isolation and purification of native antigens and high-yield mammalian cell expression systems, ensuring conformity to native type. The Company’s high-quality reagents have been widely adopted by leading pharmaceutical, in vitro diagnostic assay manufacturers, and academic groups in cutting-edge vaccine research and serology, where correct folding and glycosylation are vital.

The Native Antigen Company prides itself on an ethical and sustainable approach, exemplified by its use of 100% renewable energy and recycled packaging wherever possible, and building honest and transparent relationships with its customers and collaborators.

Founded in 2010, The Native Antigen Company is located in Oxford (UK) and has a global network of distributors.

Follow The Native Antigen Company on Twitter @nativeantigen and LinkedIn @The Native Antigen Company

About LGC Clinical Diagnostics https://www.lgcgroup.com/who-we-serve/healthcare/clinical-diagnostics/

LGC’s Clinical Diagnostics Division develops and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of catalogue and custom-developed diagnostic quality solutions and component materials for the extended life sciences industry. We partner with IVD assay developers, and pharmaceutical, CRO and academic institutions in commercialization activities across the entire diagnostic pipeline – from concept and early stage research, through expedited product development and onwards into routine clinical use. Laboratorians and diagnostic professionals across disciplines of clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, serology, molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics rely on LGC’s products to support accurate and reliable diagnostic results.

Our operating entities include Technopath Clinical Diagnostics, SeraCare Life Sciences and Maine Standards Company, which are in vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturers of quality measurement tools (calibrators, controls, linearity, EQA/PT, biological materials). Our 400+ employees operate FDA-registered and ISO 13485-accredited facilities in Tipperary, Ireland, Maine, Massachusetts and Maryland, USA, and an ISO 9001-accredited facility in Oxford, UK. Each day, our world-class staff, scientific expertise, operational efficiency and superior quality systems are ready to support the range of advanced technologies that collectively improve patient outcomes – from the widely adopted and established through to cutting-edge NGS and precision diagnostics.