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Molecular Sensing and YAbA announce a joint development program
As part of an ongoing drive to create long-term value for shareholders,
Molecular Sensing plc (www.molecular-sensing.com)
has entered into a number of strategic relationships in order to widen
its product offering and enhance its marketing capability.
As a consequence Molecular Sensing plc ("Molecular Sensing" or "MSL")
announces a strategic partnership with Qbiogene Inc (www.qbiogene.com)
to produce an integrated solution for DNA diagnostics. This system will
combine MSL's rapid DNA amplification and detection system genedrive#
with Qbiogene's industry standard Bio101 GeneClean DNA extraction chemistries
to produce a disposable device suitable for clinical diagnostics, including
near patient testing.
Ben Cobb, Molecular Sensing's CEO, stated that "looking beyond the current
genome discovery race, there will be a need to take DNA testing into the
wider healthcare market. To do this, DNA extraction and detection technologies
will have to be combined onto a single disposable device. This will have
to be achieved at low cost and high volume. I believe that Qbiogene's
industry standard extraction technologies and know how can be coupled
with MSL's rapid detection technology to provide fully-integrated, cost
effective solutions for DNA testing."
Qbiogene's CEO Garth Cumberlidge added that "the integration of nucleic
acid extraction using the BIO101 brand GeneCleanTM systems with MSL's
novel PCR detection systems establishes a new platform for DNA detection
and quantification. It offers a unique combination of speed, sensitivity,
specificity and efficiency to a broad range of potential applications."
Products utilising the combined technologies are expected to be available
within a two-year timeframe.
As part of an ongoing commitment to broaden the application of MSL technology;
- MSL also announces
a joint development program with YAbA Ltd., a Scottish-based company
with world-leading technology in diagnostics and biologicals. The
two companies plan to produce a series of analytical devices and pharmacogenomic
diagnostic tests with worldwide potential in the fields of infectious,
metabolic and autoimmune diseases. These would represent among the
first applications of pharmacogenomic testing.
- Additionally,
following discussions with Apple Inc, MSL has redesigned the geneDRIVE
to take advantage of USB and Firewire to provide instrument flexibility.
The geneDRIVE will take advantage of off-the-shelf Apple components
to accommodate planned additional applications. Ben Cobb further stated
that "This redesign will make the geneDRIVE more flexible in terms
of system architecture, allowing it to plug into any Apple CPU, including
the innovative G4, Cube, iMac, Powerbook and iBook portable range
as well as other computer configurations. This offers a number of
advantages for us further down the line when we move toward clinical
applications." This evolution has required significant reworking of
the electronics within the geneDRIVE unit and has delayed initial
beta trials until Q1 2001. However, this change in architecture will
offer considerable benefits by enhancing the product's flexibility
in the future and will not significantly impact planned product availability
in late 2001.
Finally , MSL demonstrated
the geneDRIVE unit at the Medica meeting November 22-25th 2000. This was
the first external demonstration of the technology to the marketplace.
The technology was well received with significant interest in further
potential partnering opportunities.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
MSL is developing microsensor technologies for DNA analysis that have
wide application in the rapidly growing genomics market. MSL plans to
access the immediate global market for rapid discovery tools within academic,
pharmaceutical and pharmacogenomic research, and in due course to use
this position to develop as a key participant within the emerging clinical
and pre-clinical pharmacogenomic arena.
The Directors of Molecular Sensing plc, 3 Challeymead Business Park, Bradford
Road, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8LH accept responsibility for the contents
of this advertisement which has been approved solely for the purpose of
Section 57 of the Financial Services ACT 1986 by Altium Capital Limited,
30 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4AL, a firm authorised by the Securities
and Futures Authority to carry on investment business.
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