From this page, the ICGEB offers Resources, Tools and Know-how to fight the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, to its Member States, free of charge.
Alessandro Marcello, Group Leader, Molecular Virology lab, reached a major goal in the battle against coronavirus, isolating and sequencing the full genome of SARS-Cov-2 on 20 March 2020 (Read more). The full-genome sequencing of viral isolates is required to understand the genetic evolution of the virus during the pandemic and to track the origin of the viruses that reached the Region. The availability of viral isolates allows research on diagnostic, antivirals and vaccines to take place effectively.
This page is also linked to updates from Member States, the South-South Galaxy (UNOSSC), to the COVID-19 Innovation Hub of WIPO, and to the IASP.
Tools
The following tools are being made freely available to other researchers of the ICGEB constituency:
PROTOCOLS
Preparation of Sars-CoV-2 multitarget RNA
Protocol 01 PDF
Detection of Sars-CoV-2 RNA by RT-qPCR
Protocol 02 PDF Data analysis
Isolation of viral RNA from samples
Protocol 03 PDF
REAGENTS for POSITIVE CONTROL
A synthetic RNA (MULTITARGET_RNA) containing target sequences from major diagnostic procedures, as suggested by the WHO
SEQUENCING SERVICE
Available for local isolates of the virus, through our partner lab in the AREA Science Park
LATEST PUBLICATIONS
Bitew, M., Hailu, G., et al. 2022. SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequence Obtained from Ethiopia. Microbiol. Resour Announc. doi: 10.1128/mra.01182-21
Interferon (IFN) protocol
Following recent reports about the possible beneficial effect of interferon alpha in Covid-19 infections ICGEB is offering its IFN protocol for production of interferon alpha developed in the Biotechnology Development Unit in Trieste to Member States upon request, free of charge.
Please note, however, that there is not yet any definitive proof of a real benefit of interferon alpha formulations for the treatment of COVID-19.
Links to further reading on this:
- Coronavirus puts drug repurposing on the fast track
- Features, Evaluation and Treatment Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- COVID-19 Drug Therapy – Potential Options
- Therapeutic options for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
- Clinical study for safety and efficacy of Favipiravir in the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19)
Your Donation helps
Between 1 March and 1 April 2020, ICGEB mobilised eight laboratories in Italy and India to deploy high-containment resources, experimental validation and therapeutic possibilities against COVID-19
Technical Assistance
On-line Video Tutorials
Available from the ICGEB eLearning: portfolio
Remote Technical Assistance
Available upon receipt of a signed Technical Assistance Agreement with the ICGEB during the reproduction of SOPs
Further Training Opportunities
Our staff is available to guide you through the possibilities available at ICGEB for further training
- BDU training in Biosimilar technologies
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters
DISCLAIMER
All information, reagents, and knowhow provided through ICGEB are intended for research use only. The recipient agrees to use these in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the sequences and quality of materials, however, ICGEB cannot provide any warranty regarding their accuracy or quality. In particular, ICGEB makes no express or implied warranties of any kind, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. The recipient may acknowledge the source of sequences in any oral presentations or written publications concerning the research project by referring to the Laboratory of Molecular Virology, ICGEB, Trieste, Italy.
For scientific information
If you are interested in training for the development of improved surveillance and diagnostic tools to respond to the current crisis and improved strategies for prevention and treatment, please contact:
Molecular Virology
For Technology Transfer information
If your Company/ Institute is interested in technology transfer opportunities and technical assistance to deal with the current crisis and improved strategies for prevention and treatment, please contact:
Technology Transfer Office
For media and public information
If you wish to know more about the ICGEB Virus Task Force, please contact:
Communications, Public Information, and Outreach
Tel: +39-340-5971692
Recent Updates
Cell DNA damage underlies long-term effects caused by COVID-19 virus
Antiviral Testing Results hailed by Sirona Biochem
Evidence of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection over time in patients seemingly recovered from COVID-19
Italy and India: pandemic response and post-pandemic challenges
ICGEB New Delhi: Highly potent, unique antibody against COVID19 variants discovered
