LexaGene Launches 2nd Generation Bacterial and Drug Resistance Test to Better Meet the Diagnostic Needs of Veterinarians
July 07 2021 - 7:45AM
LexaGene Holdings, Inc., (OTCQB: LXXGF; TSX-V: LXG) (the
“
Company”), a molecular diagnostics company that
develops fully automated rapid pathogen detection systems, today
announced the release of its second-generation MiQLab™ Bacterial
and AMR (Antibiotic / Antimicrobial Resistance) Panel.
LexaGene’s first Bacterial and AMR Test screened samples for
seven different pathogens and 13 different antimicrobial resistance
factors. This first panel was largely built around pathogens and
resistance genes commonly encountered in urinary tract infections
(UTIs), and was well-received within the veterinary community.
LexaGene’s 2nd generation assay panel, taking advantage of the
platform’s capacity for new targets, was expanded at the request of
veterinarians to improve coverage for pathogens that cause other
common types of infections, namely skin, soft tissue, and wound
infections (SSTIs), and ear infections.
LexaGene’s Bacterial and AMR Test Version 2 (V2) screens for 10
pathogens and 35 genes and variants, that confer antimicrobial drug
resistance, a 140% and 270% increase, respectively, from the
Company’s first-generation test. The new test is expected to detect
96 percent of bacterial UTIs and 93 percent of bacterial SSTIs, and
detect a much higher percentage of genes that confer resistance to
some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.
Dr. Nathan Walsh, LexaGene’s Vice President of Applications and
Bioinformatics, stated, “Our goal is to provide veterinarians with
the most informative test possible so they can quickly detect the
presence of both common and less common pathogens. This Bacterial
and AMR Test V2 allows for just that. In addition, the assay panel
adds many new tests for drug resistance genes to help veterinarians
avoid prescribing the wrong drug to a patient, which can lead to
extended pet suffering, unnecessary side effects, costly
complications, and sometimes even death. When employed early in the
diagnosis process some of these problems can be avoided by
regularly using a MiQLab equipped with this expanded version of
drug resistance testing. Pet-owners seeking care from veterinarians
using MiQLab will gain comfort knowing an appropriate antibiotic
has been prescribed based on genetic testing that will increase the
chances of rapidly improving the health of their pet.”
Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s CEO and Founder, added, “The
Bacterial and AMR Test V2 will help drive LexaGene’s growth for
three main reaons. First and foremost, veterinarians using this
technology will be able to provide better informed and more timely
care for pets. Second, we expect veterinarians to run more tests
per week using MiQLab rather than sending samples to a reference
lab for culture, as MiQLab testing provides enhanced customer
peace-of-mind, with critical diagnostic information available
within two hours versus three to five days. And, as the technology
can be now used across many more medical applications, we expect
this new release will increase the number of tests run by current
LexaGene veterinary customers and serve as a potential profit
center for their practices.”
A brief interview with Dr. Regan may be viewed here.
LexaGene’s MiQLab System is designed for in-clinic use and
provides highly multiplex testing for pathogens and markers of
antibiotic resistance so that veterinarians can make fast
evidence-based treatment decisions. LexaGene’s MiQLab returns
results in ~ 2 hours rather than the practice of sending samples to
a reference laboratory for testing, which normally returns results
in three to five days.
LexaGene’s website provides detailed information on the coverage
of LexaGene’s Bacterial and AMR Panel V2,including a downloaded
PDF.
To learn more about LexaGene and the MiQLab System or subscribe
to company updates, visit www.lexagene.com, or follow us on Twitter
or LinkedIn.
On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsDr.
Jack ReganChief Executive Officer &
Chairman
About LexaGene Holdings Inc.LexaGene is a
molecular diagnostics company that develops molecular diagnostic
systems for pathogen detection and genetic testing for other
molecular markers for on-site rapid testing in veterinary
diagnostics, food safety and for use in open-access markets such as
clinical research, agricultural testing and biodefense. End-users
simply need to collect a sample, load it onto the instrument with a
sample preparation cartridge, enter sample ID and press ‘go’. The
MiQLab™ system delivers excellent sensitivity, specificity, and
breadth of detection and can return results in approximately two
hours. The unique open-access feature is designed for custom
testing so that end-users can load their own real-time PCR assays
onto the instrument to target any genetic target of interest.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way
passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither
approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider
(as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.
This news release contains forward-looking information, which
involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause actual events to differ materially from current
expectation. Important factors -- including the availability of
funds, the results of financing efforts, the success of technology
development efforts, the cost to procure critical parts,
performance of the instrument, market acceptance of the technology,
regulatory acceptance, and licensing issues -- that could cause
actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations
as disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on
SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims
any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law,
to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Corporate Contact:
Gail Winslow
Director of Corporate Marketing
gwinslow@lexagene.com
978.482.6237
ir@lexagene.com
800.215.1824
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