23 July 2021 - - US-based synthetic biology and genomics company Twist Bioscience Corp. (NASDAQ: TWST) has started shipping its synthetic RNA reference controls for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta (B.1.617.2) and B.1.617.3 variants first identified in India and spreading rapidly worldwide, the company said.

In March 2020, Twist launched its first synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA distinct reference sequences as positive controls for the development of both next-generation sequencing and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays to test for SARS-CoV-2.

These controls continue to be included in many different assays worldwide and can be used to determine the limit of detection, monitor day-to-day test variations and are included on the US Food and Drug Administration website as reference materials for SARS-CoV-2.

Twist has subsequently released additional SARS-CoV-2 controls to cover the evolution of the virus and remains committed to using its DNA synthesis platform to offer valuable products that improve health and sustainability.

The Twist synthetic controls are designed based on specific SARS-CoV-2 variants, cover the full viral genome and are sequence-verified.

For customers interested in alternative variants of SARS-CoV-2, or synthetic RNA or DNA controls for other sequences, Twist said it can provide custom controls in multiple formats.

Twist also offers a suite of research tools, including next-generation sequencing products for SARS-CoV-2 as well as a broad respiratory panel and the most comprehensive viral panel.

Customers purchasing synthetic controls are subject to Twist's leading biosecurity screening protocols and applicable laws and regulations.

Twist Bioscience is a synthetic biology and genomics company that has developed a DNA synthesis platform to industrialize the engineering of biology.

The core of the platform is a proprietary technology that pioneers a new method of manufacturing synthetic DNA by "writing" DNA on a silicon chip.

Twist is leveraging its unique technology to manufacture a broad range of synthetic DNA-based products, including synthetic genes, tools for next-generation sequencing preparation, and antibody libraries for drug discovery and development.

Twist is also pursuing longer-term opportunities in digital data storage in DNA and biologics drug discovery. Twist makes products for use across many industries including healthcare, industrial chemicals, agriculture and academic research.