Roche announced the launch of the Elecsys HCV Duo immunoassay in countries that accept the CE Mark. Elecsys HCV Duo is the first available immunoassay that allows the simultaneous and independent determination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and antibody status from a single human plasma or serum sample. This means that the test can be used to detect the early stage of infection, as well as when the patient is recovering from the virus, or showing signs of a chronic infection that may lead to other diseases, such as liver cancer.

By utilising the dual detection of HCV core antigen and antibodies to HCV, the Elecsys HCV Duo assay enables significantly earlier diagnosis of active hepatitis C virus infection compared to using antibody-only assays, as core antigen appears early in the course of infection and is a marker of ongoing viral replication. This can lead to earlier intervention for patients, reduction in the number of clinic visits needed to take additional test samples and can alleviate some of the testing burden on healthcare systems.

“With improved hepatitis screening, healthcare systems have the opportunity to eliminate the disease through improved prevention, testing and treatment services,'' said Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “The addition of the Elecsys HCV Duo assay to our HCV testing portfolio can help in the fight to eliminate the hepatitis C virus. The launch of this innovative dual antigen and antibody diagnostic test underlines our commitment to support clinicians and their patients in reducing the impact of infectious diseases, where it’s needed most.”

In 2019, 58 million people were living with chronic HCV infection, but only 21% were aware of it. 290,000 people died of hepatitis C-related causes, like cirrhosis and liver cancer, more than those due to HIV or malaria. While there is no vaccine available for HCV, there is effective treatment with antivirals that can lead to a cure in 98% of patients.1 However, to find affected populations there is a greater emphasis on increased access and utilisation of testing to reduce the impact of the virus, as well as to provide better disease management for patients testing positive for HCV.