| |
Newsroom /
Technology
/
Electronics
/
DNA Electronics Licenses DNA Testing technology to geneOnyx
DNA Electronics Licenses DNA Testing technology to geneOnyx
Ground-breaking Lab-Free System To Bring Rapid On-The-Spot DNA Analytics to Cosmetics and Skincare Industry
Reading,
Berkshire,
United Kingdom
(prbd.net)
19/03/2012
London, United Kingdom, March 19 2012 – DNA Electronics Ltd. a developer of semiconductor solutions for real-time DNA and RNA detection, today announces that it has licensed its ground-breaking Genalysis® technology platform for rapid, lab-free DNA detection to geneOnyx, a company that is delivering on-the-spot genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skincare applications.
Following a successful evaluation of the DNA Electronics’ USB-based Genalysis® lab-free platform, the two companies are announcing a commercial license and supply agreement that grants geneOnyx access to DNA Electronics’ real-time Genalysis® platform for cosmetic applications. This agreement will deliver the world’s first commercial application of a true sample-to-answer, easy-to-use and low-cost DNA testing platform – bringing on-site, over-the-counter services to the retail industry for the first time.
DNA Electronics’ Genalysis® is a real-time platform for nucleic acid testing, delivering accurate, point-of-need results within 30 minutes using just a simple sample processing kit and interchangeable test cartridges plugged into a USB stick or other electronic reader. The Genalysis® platform enables truly user-friendly, rapid, lab-free and pipette-free DNA analysis products for a variety of medical and consumer applications. While this licensing and supply agreement launches DNA Electronics in its first non-IVD market for test panels selected by geneOnyx, pilot trials for clinical diagnostics using Genalysis® will also begin later this year. DNA Electronics – a privately-held company – was founded by semiconductor and medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng, based on his key 2001 invention of detecting protons released during DNA synthesis using a standard silicon-chip based transistor – culminating in the world’s first DNA analysis on unmodified CMOS technology. DNA Electronics already has worldwide non-exclusive licensing agreements with Roche’s 454 Life Sciences and Ion Torrent (Life Technologies Inc.) for the field of semiconductor sequencing, enabling these global leaders to access certain parts of the DNA Electronics proprietary technology portfolio.
Through this latest agreement, DNA Electronics will supply to geneOnyx its proprietary sample-to-answer DNA testing technology Genalysis® for the consumer cosmetics and skincare market. geneOnyx will provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting optimal skincare and cosmetic products for individuals based on a scientific analysis of the person’s genetic variations and how well a person’s body will react to active product ingredients. geneOnyx’s recommendations service leverages the unique ability of the Genalysis® platform to provide on-the-spot results and connectivity to geneOnyx’s cloud-based system without needing to send a sample to a laboratory for analysis.
The Genalysis® platform processes a saliva sample from a mouth swab using a sample preparation kit designed for unskilled users which delivers purified, amplification-ready DNA to the CMOS-based test cartridge using just a couple of simple manual steps. The test cartridge then simultaneously amplifies and detects genetic signatures in the DNA when plugged into a USB stick or other electronic device. The simple three-step Genalysis® process of “swab, twist, test” was designed by DNA Electronics to overcome the fact that most nucleic acid tests, even those described as point-of-care, still require laboratory steps such as pipetting and centrifugation, and use expensive instrumentation.
Commenting on the announcement, Prof. Toumazou said: “This agreement makes lab-free semiconductor solutions for DNA analysis a commercial reality for both medical and non-medical markets – from personalised medicine to anti-ageing skincare.” He added: “With our microchip-based Genalysis® platform, we are able to screen genetic information more quickly, more accurately and more cost-effectively than ever before. Our partnership with geneOnyx delivers the first in a new breed of fast, user-friendly and consumerised DNA analysis services, and it is a key part of our roadmap to actively work with customers to deliver innovative solutions and services around these ground-breaking on-the-spot tests. By making this technology really affordable, we are enabling transformative services for retail “cosmeceutical” markets, wellness applications, pharmaceutical drug response and more. The opportunities are extremely exciting and DNA Electronics is open to working with other committed Early Access customers to develop Genalysis® tests for applications that solve their business needs.”
Members of the media interested in scheduling a briefing with DNA Electronics can do so by contacting Nicky Denovan at nicky[at]evokedset[dot]com.
-- ends –
Notes to editors
About DNA Electronics
DNA Electronics is a developer of semiconductor solutions for real-time nucleic acid detection which enables faster, simpler and more cost-effective DNA analysis platforms. The company’s IP portfolio includes techniques for monitoring nucleotide insertions using ion-sensitive transistors, enabling label-free electronic DNA sequencing and diagnostics platforms using standard CMOS microchip technology. DNA Electronics (DNAe) has developed the Genalysis® platform of disposable sample-to-answer silicon chip-based solutions for real-time nucleic acid sequence detection at the point-of-need, providing end users with technology as yet unavailable outside a laboratory.
The Genalysis® platform uses interchangeable, disposable “lab-on-chip” cartridges and pipette-free sample preparation kits to give fast and accurate portable molecular tests with all the appeal of consumer electronics: anytime, anywhere. Each cartridge can be tailored to any sequence of interest, making this a customizable semiconductor technology amenable to a wide variety of applications and markets, including personalized medicine and infection screening. The ability to accurately detect DNA in real-time using a standalone, fully portable, low power electronic readout presents disruptive new opportunities in diagnostics, data capture and therapy.
For more information: http://www.dnae.co.uk
About geneOnyx
geneOnyx provides a service that offers the world’s first over the counter genetic test with on-the-spot results. The service provides tailored recommendations related to skincare ingredients and associated genetics to select the optimal skincare and cosmetic products.
geneOnyx’ CosMos™ cloud technology provides a comprehensive SMP™ library, a unique mapping database based on geneOnyx’s extensive research into cosmetic product active ingredients, our genes and how the compounds are metabolised. By mapping the relationship between active ingredients and the genetic variations, this continually updated database allows geneOnyx to perform a completely personalised analysis of the effectiveness of products designed to address skin issues.
This is a revolutionary approach to marketing cosmetics, that significantly removes the guesswork and risks involved when selecting the best individual skincare solution.
For more information: http://www.geneonyx.com
PRESS CONTACT for media enquiries:
Nicky Denovan
EvokedSet
Email: nicky[@]evokedset.com
Tel: +44 (0)844 870 8025
Mobile: +44 (0)7747 017654
Distributed on behalf of EvokedSet by NeonDrum news distribution service (http://www.neondrum.com)
About
NeonDrum is a targeted global online news release distribution and monitoring service for PR professionals.
Our mission is simple: to boost online coverage of your B2B press releases, help you to punch above your weight in the online channel, and get you seen, heard - and found - by the people that matter
|