Roche Responds To Mpox Global Health Emergency

Roche, a leader in diagnostics and biotechnology, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global health in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Roche has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global health in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

To aid in the fight against the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, Roche is making its cutting-edge Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests more widely accessible and enhancing laboratory testing capacities around the world.

The company's swift and proactive measures aim to bolster global efforts to control the ongoing outbreak.

In its latest announcement, Roche confirmed that its cobas MPXV test and LightMix research-use-only kits are effective in detecting the newest variants of the mpox virus.

These diagnostic tools play a crucial role in identifying infected individuals and helping healthcare providers implement appropriate treatment strategies.

"Our commitment to support the global response to mpox began in 2022 when we developed a suite of tests to enable global access to rapid and high-quality PCR testing,” stated Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics.

“Diagnostics are essential in addressing emerging public health challenges like mpox, as they enable healthcare providers to identify infected patients, devise effective treatment strategies, and take appropriate actions.”

Roche's global efforts are not limited to test development.

The company actively collaborates with governments, healthcare providers, and organizations dedicated to combating the mpox outbreak. By partnering with these entities, Roche is working to enhance mpox laboratory capacities worldwide, with a particular focus on regions in need.

Training initiatives, such as those conducted at the Roche Scientific Campus in South Africa, are crucial in ensuring laboratories are equipped to manage and contain the spread of the virus.

The Philippines recently reported its first mpox case of 2024, involving a 33-year-old man from Metro Manila with no recent travel history, suggesting local transmission.

This case brings the total number of mpox cases in the country to ten since the first case was reported in July 2022. The patient, who developed symptoms including fever and a distinctive rash, tested positive for the virus via PCR testing.

Philippine health authorities are actively monitoring the situation, conducting contact tracing, and implementing quarantine measures to prevent further spread.

As the mpox outbreak continues to pose a significant public health challenge, Roche's comprehensive approach highlights the vital role of diagnostics in controlling infectious diseases.

By leveraging its expertise in diagnostics and fostering strong partnerships, Roche is contributing significantly to the global effort to manage and eventually overcome the mpox crisis.