Heidesee, 24.08.2020

Brandenburg's Minister of Economic Affairs Jörg Steinbach (SPD) visited the biotechnology company Seramun Diagnostica at its location in Heidesee, Germany last Monday. The company started the development of recombinant proteins, specific antibodies and laboratory tests for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the end of March 2020. The current project status was of particular interest for Steinbach. At the moment, the company focuses on the development of laboratory tests for serological detection of antibodies against various viral components. These special laboratory tests could be used to detect potentially neutralizing antibodies and the course of infection of a Covid-19 infection, in particular with the objective of being able to distinguish a natural infection from vaccine immunization in the later course of the pandemic.

Another focus of the company is the supply of special reagents. These are fundamental for the production of laboratory tests which are being used for the detection of Sars-CoV-2. To expand production capacities, a new production building is being built since February 2020. Steinbach also visited the construction site of this new production building. Seramun Diagnostica is investing about ten million euros in the new building and is supported by the state of Brandenburg with about one million euros.