SINGAPORE – A test developed by local researchers to help tackle the next pandemic is now in use in more than 90 countries. Known as the multiplex surrogate virus neutralisation test (sVNT), it can detect if a person has antibodies capable of neutralising multiple viruses to prevent disease. Such antibodies offer protection against a variety of highly pathogenic viruses, including variants of Sars-CoV-2 – the coronavirus that causes Covid-19. The test can also be used for other pathogens such as Ebola and henipaviruses, a group of zoonotic viruses such as Nipah. Experts have warned that zoonotic viruses – transmitted from animals to humans, and vice versa – could spark future pandemics. The test was developed by a team led by Dr Tan Chee Wah of the microbiology and immunology department at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) and Professor Wang Linfa of the emerging infectious diseases programme at Duke-NUS Medical School. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/made-in-singapore-antibody-test-for-multiple-viruses-now-used-worldwide (ICE SINGAPORE)

Fonte notizia: The Straits Times, 19 May 2025