LabCorp is launching a new test for COVID-19 antibodies, specifically targeting those used by the immune system to inhibit the novel coronavirus. The testing giant says these readings can be used to help develop vaccines and measure their effectiveness as well as to screen donations of convalescent plasma for therapeutic use. The company plans to make its PhenoSense assay available to biopharma companies, hospitals and blood banks.
The test is based on the platform LabCorp has used to help evaluate previous vaccine candidates for viral infections such as HIV, Ebola, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, according to Paul Kirchgraber, CEO of the company’s Covance drug development business.
Data Shows New Virus Cases on Long Island Remain Flat or Declined
Despite a sharp rise in coronavirus cases around the nation, the number of new cases remained stable in Suffolk and declined in Nassau, according to a Newsday analysis of recent health data.
The average number of new cases per day in Nassau dropped to 37 for the week ending June 22, down from 44 the prior week. In Suffolk, the number of cases remained the same at 45 cases per day. At the virus’ peak, the numbers were about 24 times larger, with about 1,100 new cases identified per day.
Health experts praised New Yorkers for curbing the once-rampant spread of COVID-19 but warned that this might be a lull in a long storm.