Roche Launches Cobas MPX-E Assay For Multi-Virus Blood Screening In CE-Mark Markets, Expands Diagnostic Portfolio

Roche has announced the availability of its cobas® MPX-E assay in countries recognising the CE mark. This qualitative in-vitro diagnostic test enables simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple viruses, including HIV-1, HIV-2, Hepatitis B, C, and E, within a single workflow, enhancing efficiency in blood donor screening.

“Safe, timely access to blood products is a cornerstone of modern healthcare,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “With the launch of the cobas MPX-E test, we will help ensure that patients receive the safe blood products they need by providing a fully integrated solution that includes the most critical viral pathogens and improves lab efficiency.”

The assay is designed to streamline laboratory operations while improving the safety of blood and blood products. By combining multiple viral targets into one test, it reduces complexity and increases testing efficiency. Its enhanced sensitivity and specificity are particularly important for detecting Hepatitis E, a virus responsible for millions of infections globally and often carried asymptomatically, making effective screening essential.

A key feature of the cobas® MPX-E assay is its dual-target detection for HIV-1 group M, which improves accuracy by targeting two regions of the viral genome. This approach helps ensure reliable detection even in the presence of viral mutations, strengthening diagnostic confidence.

The assay is compatible with Roche’s automated cobas® x800 systems, including the 6800/8800 and 5800 platforms, which are widely used in laboratories worldwide. With the global nucleic acid testing (NAT) blood screening market valued at approximately 800 million CHF and expected to grow steadily, this launch reinforces Roche’s position in advanced diagnostic solutions.