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Fulgent Genetics, BioIQ Partner on NGS-Based SARS-CoV-2 Variant Detection

NEW YORK – Fulgent Genetics and BioIQ announced Tuesday a partnership to identify variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, using next-generation sequencing.

BioIQ, an Atlanta-based diagnostic testing software company, will offer Fulgent's coronavirus genome sequencing assay on its software platform to its employer, government, and health plan customers to inform testing regimens, clinical treatment protocols, and vaccination strategies.

Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"With new COVID-19 variants emerging around the globe, there is growing concern that higher infectivity in some strains may result in faster spread of the virus," BioIQ Founder, President, and COO Justin Bellante said in a statement. "This tool will be an important addition in the diagnostic armamentarium against COVID-19 by enabling BioIQ and its customers to more rapidly identify and quarantine individuals in cases where more infectious variants are present."

Temple City, California-based Fulgent began developing its coronavirus sequencing assay in March 2020.

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