eGene's Rapid DNA Analyzer Can Identify Avian Flu Virus in Minutes; Use of System Worldwide Could Help Contain Spread
IRVINE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--March 23, 2006-
eGene Inc. (OTCBB:EGEI), developers of a revolutionary
high-performance genetic analysis technology, today said that if put
into use at airports, borders and points of entry, its portable
HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzers would have the ability to evaluate
amplified DNA samples for genetic signatures of avian flu in less than
10 minutes and help halt the spread of the illness.
Ming S. Liu, acting CEO of eGene, said: "There will be an urgency
to halt the spread of the flu, should the genetic makeup mutate
rapidly so that it spreads human to human. The best way in our jet-age
to try and stop a pandemic would be to identify and diagnose those who
have the flu before they enter the country, whether at an airport,
waterway or border. Our system is so compact that it can sit on a desk
top to rapidly identify avian flu virus through the method of direct
RT-PCR amplification, which is the fast approach to detect the avian
flu H5N1 strain. The system can be used at these sites with a minimum
amount of delays."
eGene's patented system is one that can analyze any disease's
genetic signature including those from malaria, hepatitis B and C,
HIV, HPV and TB as well as many others, many of which are described at
the company's Web site: www.egeneinc.com. Because of this flexibility,
the eGene Analyzers could provide a safety net for public health as
individuals enter the country.
The HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzer is in use at more than 100
hospitals and research centers worldwide, including Taiwan's disease
control center, and has been developed to use solid-state light
sources and micro-optical collectors to make the system compact and
affordable. The system analyzes genetic fingerprinting of living
organisms through microsatellites, AFLP and RFLP. It performs RNA and
oligonucleotide quality checks, as well as fast DNA sample screening,
high-resolution DNA fragment analysis (2-5bp) and large DNA fragments
analysis (up to 10Kb). The system also analyzes the quality and
quantity of total RNA and cRNA, determines the efficiency of cRNA and
cDNA amplification reactions and ensures quality of fragmented cRNA.
The company sells cartridges that are specific to the type of analysis
to be performed. All data is then received in digital form for
appropriate transmission and storage.
Martin E. Janis & Company Inc. for eGene Inc.
Beverly Jedynak, 312-943-1100, ext. 12
or
Andrew Ponzo, 312-943-1100, ext. 17
Copyright Business Wire 2006
23Mar06 18:51 GMT
Symbols:
us;EGEI
Source BW Business Wire
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