Before COVID-19, manufacturers across biotech, medical devices, textiles, and more were concerned with viral contamination in their products. In response to the new threat SARS-CoV-2 poses to drug, personal product, and equipment safety, our team of experts has developed and validated two new models to support SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance evaluations.
From testing of manufactured products to efficacy studies for SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics, we offer several robust validated models for viral contamination and clearance testing suitable for biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) facilities:
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Coronavirus strain 229E
The 229E is a strain of coronavirus that can be safely grown to high titers in BSL-2 facilities.
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Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV)
Though an animal pathogen, PHEV is a betacoronavirus that is an effective model for viral clearance studies. It too can be grown to high titers in BSL-2 facilities.
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Parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PI-3, previously available)
Based on its biophysical similarities to SARS-Cov-2, the PI-3 model offers an effective approach to viral clearance studies.
As a highly infectious airborne agent, live SARS-CoV-2 must be handled in a BSL-3 facility; at present, these facilities are more commonly available to medical and academic researchers. Plans to establish our own BSL-3 are underway, and scheduled to come online Q1, 2021, as Charles River continues to enhance support for coronavirus-focused drug development.
Virus |
Virus Family |
Virus Genus |
Envelope |
Genome Type |
Genome Size [kb] |
Particle Size [nm] |
SARS-Cov-2 |
Coronaviridae |
Betacoronavirus (sub genus: Sarbecovirus) |
Yes |
(+) ssRNA |
29.8 – 29.9 |
80 – 170* |
Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (PHEV) |
Coronaviridae |
Betacoronavirus (sub genus: Embecovirus) |
Yes |
(+) ssRNA |
29.9 –30.0 |
110 – 130 |
Human coronavirus, strain 229E |
Coronaviridae |
Alphacoronavirus (subgenus: Duvinacovirus) |
Yes |
(+) ssRNA |
28.5 |
100 – 150 |
Parainfluenza virus Type 3 (PI-3) |
Paramyxoviridae |
Respirovirus |
Yes |
(-) ssRNA |
13.0 – 18.0 (15) |
150 – 250 |