Reliable tests for Ebola, African swine fever made by Vitebsk scientists

The research team of the Vitebsk State Medical University has created the first Belarusian test systems to diagnose the disease caused by the Ebola virus and to detect the African swine fever virus, BelTA learned from Professor Valery Semenov, head of the research team, Head of the Infectious Diseases Department of the Vitebsk State Medical University.

In his words, the high-tech test systems rely on modern methods of molecular genetic research. They have been created with consultative assistance of German specialists. The Belarusian test systems demonstrate better sensibility and specificity in comparison with Western products. In other words, the Vitebsk-made test systems are very reliable and can detect the presence of the virus in minimal amounts of biological material samples. In turn, the improvements allow more effective monitoring of the diseases since early-stage detection allows medics to promptly stop further propagation of the virus.

The test systems are now made by the Vitebsk-based R&D company SIVital, which is implementing the project in the free economic zone Vitebsk, with the investment volume at $2.4 million. The company has been created with assistance of Belarusian investors. The company’s product portfolio includes a total of 12 test systems developed by Vitebsk scientists to handle various kinds of infections. Some of them are designed to diagnose and help choose the tactics of treating tumorous human diseases. “When a tumor is detected, the majority of patients are treated with cytostatic drugs or radiation treatment. The test system we have created allows determining how much aid such patients need in order to reduce the possibility of consequent metastases and extend their lives,” explained Valery Semenov. Apart from that, negotiations with the Belarusian Agriculture and Food Ministry are in progress on developing and producing import-substituting test systems for veterinary purposes in Vitebsk.

The R&D company SIVital intends to produce 300,000 tests per annum while the company can make up to 500,000 tests per annum. Some of the test systems have already passed registration procedures in Belarus, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. In 2014 the company received the European registration certificate for the BioLactam test system so now Belarusian innovations are available on the German market. A batch is being prepared for partners from Belgium. As the next stage to bolster the export potential the company intends to certify the quality management system of the manufacturing facility for compliance with the international standard ISO 13485.