	LabCorp, a global life sciences company that is deeply integrated in guiding patient care, has announced the launch of a new test that can be used to assess the capacity of antibodies in patient plasma to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This information could be used in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and the screening of convalescent plasma for prophylactic and therapeutic use. This neutralizing antibody test will be available to biopharmaceutical companies, hospitals, blood banks and other plasma-screening facilities. 

	“By leveraging our drug development and diagnostic capabilities, we are working tirelessly to find solutions to prevent and treat COVID-19,” said Paul Kirchgraber, MD, chief executive officer, LabCorp’s Drug Development business. “The launch of this neutralizing antibody assay is the latest effort in our company’s commitment to accelerate the evaluation of vaccine candidates so that a successful candidate may reach patients sooner.” 

	As the research for a safe and effective vaccine continues, some clinicians are relying on the serum collected from convalescent patients who had COVID-19 to support treatment of the severely ill. As research advances, the PhenoSenseassay may be an essential element in defining the neutralizing antibody activity correlated with the therapeutic efficacy of convalescent plasma administration, as well as the relative protective immunity of vaccine candidates. 

	“This assay, available only through LabCorp, is based on a proven and trusted platform developed by our scientists that has been used for decades in the evaluation of vaccine candidates designed to prevent other viral infections, including HIV, Ebola virus, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),” continued Kirchgraber. 

https://www.covance.com/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines.html