Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (Applied DNA or the "Company"), a leader in PCR-based DNA technologies, today announced that Applied DNA Clinical Labs (ADCL), the Company's wholly-owned clinical laboratory subsidiary, has submitted a validation package to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to request approval as a laboratory-developed test (LDT) for a PCR-based assay for the detection and subtyping of influenza A (H5) virus, also known as H5 bird flu, highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1 (collectively "H5 bird flu"). ADCL's Linea Avian Influenza H5 Dx assay ("AIH5 Dx") is a highly sensitive, multi-target diagnostic assay capable of detecting and discriminating between pan-influenza A and H5 bird flu. The timeline for NYSDOH's review of the Company's validation package is unknown, as is whether such approval will be granted.
Development of AIH5 Dx was initiated in January 2025 amid escalating concerns over the spread of the H5 bird flu virus in dairy cows and poultry and several human cases of infection in U.S. dairy and poultry workers, as well as a health advisory published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending the rapid subtyping of all influenza A-positive specimens from hospitalized patients. If approved, ADCL will launch an H5 bird flu testing service to accept samples originating in all U.S. states that recognize New York's CLEP/CLIA certification, enabling physicians to order the test for patients suspected of infection.
Patient samples would be sent to, and testing would be undertaken at, ADCL, an NYSDOH CLEP-permitted, CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) laboratory currently permitted for virology and genetics (molecular). If approved, the testing service would be added to ADCL's diagnostic testing menu, which currently comprises LDTs for molecular diagnostics (mpox Clade I and II and SARS-CoV-2) and pharmacogenetic testing (TR8 PGx).
"This past December, scientists at Scripps Research identified a mutation in H5 bird flu that could turn the virus from one that is currently not well-equipped to infect people into one that is much more capable of doing so.1 Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that human H5 bird flu infections are potentially underestimated in the U.S.2 Against this backdrop, our development of AIH5 Dx leverages our demonstrated ability to rapidly develop and gain regulatory approval for LDTs targeting emergent health crises," stated Dr. James A. Hayward, CEO of Applied DNA. "Subject to NYSDOH approval, ADCL stands ready to empower physician and patient access to testing using our existing assets and workflows."
Laboratory/Test Information
Applied DNA Clinical Labs, LLC ("ADCL") is a NYSDOH CLEP-permitted, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments ("CLIA")-certified clinical laboratory, certified to perform high-complexity testing. The Linea AIH5 Dx assay was developed, and its performance characteristics were determined by ADCL. If approved, the Linea AIH5 Dx assay is intended for clinical purposes.
About Applied DNA Sciences
Applied DNA Sciences is a biotechnology company developing technologies to produce and detect deoxyribonucleic acid ("DNA"). Using the polymerase chain reaction ("PCR") to enable both the production and detection of DNA, we operate in two business markets: (i) the enzymatic manufacture of synthetic DNA for use in the production of nucleic acid-based therapeutics and the development and sale of a proprietary RNA polymerase ("RNAP") for use in the production of mRNA therapeutics; and (ii) the detection of DNA and RNA in molecular diagnostics and genetic testing services.
For more information, visit adnas.com.
Citations:
1 Lin, T., Zhu, X., Wang, S., Zhang, D., McBride, R., Yu, W., Babarinde, S., Paulson, J. C., & Wilson, I. A. (2024). A single mutation in bovine influenza H5N1 hemagglutinin switches specificity to human receptors. Science, 386(6726), 1128-1134. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adt0180
2 Leonard, J., Harker, E. J., Szablewski, C. M., Margrey, S. F., Gingrich, K. F., Crossley, K., Fletcher, E., McCreavy, C. J., Weis-Torres, S., Wang, D., Noble, E. K., Levine, M. Z., Pagano, H. P., Holiday, C., Liu, F., Jefferson, S., Li, Z., Gross, F. L., Reed, C., . . . Olson, S. M. (2025). Notes from the Field: Seroprevalence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus Infections Among Bovine Veterinary Practitioners - United States, September 2024. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 74(4), 50-52. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7404a2
Source: Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.