LexaGene Demonstrates a Simple and Inexpensive Multiplex PCR Chemistry with Shorter Lead Times for use on its MiQLab System
August 12 2021 - 7:45AM
LexaGene Holdings, Inc., (OTCQB: LXXGF; TSX-V: LXG) a
molecular diagnostics company developing automated rapid polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) testing solutions for veterinary diagnostics
and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, is pleased to announce that
its MiQLab™ System is the first point-of-need system that can be
configured to perform PCR using either probe-based chemistry or
SYBR Green chemistry coupled with melt curve analysis.
Dr. Nathan Walsh, VP of Applications and
Informatics stated, “Traditional real time PCR uses expensive
hydrolysis probes that have long lead times for manufacturing,
whereas SYBR Green-based PCR uses inexpensive primers that have
much shorter lead times.”
“The COVID pandemic has caused massive delays in
the manufacturing and delivery of the PCR probes used in diagnostic
testing. In many cases, these delays were sometimes greater than 8
weeks, which created shortages that prevented the running of some
testing platforms,” continued Dr. Walsh. “In contrast, the primers
necessary for SYBR Green based testing have continued to be
available within just a few days. For some applications, having
short lead times for ordering new reagents is of tremendous value.
Showing that the MiQLab can perform both types of PCR is important
for establishing the flexibility of this technology for open-access
customers.”
In a small study, LexaGene demonstrated the
MiQLab successfully detected both Escherichia coli and an internal
amplification control using SYBR Green chemistry. These two targets
were distinguished by melt curve analysis of their respective PCR
products
Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s Founder and CEO
stated, “To our knowledge, all other automated point-of-need
instruments are only configured to perform with one type of
chemistry, but the MiQLab System can effectively handle both. For
some applications, we can use inexpensive SYBR Green chemistry to
get the same quality answer we would normally get using the more
expensive probe-based chemistry. For these types of applications,
we have every motivation to use the less expensive chemistry to
reduce costs. At our current volume of manufacturing and the
MiQLab’s typical reagent usage, changing from probe-based to SYBR
Green based chemistry would equate to an ~20% reduction in the cost
to screen a sample for 27 different targets of interest.”
A brief video interview with Dr. Jack Regan can
be viewed HERE.
The company will continue to market its
probe-based MiQLab Bacterial and AMR Test V2 test while
leveraging this new test functionality with prospective open-access
customers who do not have probe-based PCR tests.
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.
[1] 10.5812/jjm.19041v2
Corporate Contact:
Gail Winslow
Director of Corporate Marketing
gwinslow@lexagene.com
978.482.6237
ir@lexagene.com
800.215.1824
Media:
Shani Lewis
Account Manager
LavoieHealthScience
slewis@lavioehealthscience.com
609-516-5761
Investors:
Sharon Choe
Vice President
LaVoieHealthScience
schoe@lavoiehealthscience.com
(857) 241-7393
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