eGene Announces Its HDA-GT12(TM) System That Shows Compatibility of Detecting Influenza A Virus, Known as the Avian Flu Virus
IRVINE, Calif., May 04, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- eGene Inc. ( EGEI ), developers of rapid DNA analyzers, announced today that its HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzer shows compatibility of detecting the influenza A virus, commonly known as the avian flu virus. The automatic analysis process is less than six minutes. The company has demonstrated that its system platform can handle 12 RT-PCR amplified virus samples in six minutes, or at a sample analysis rate of two samples per minute.
As an acute respiratory infection, rapid detection of the influenza A virus is important. "The virus naturally infects humans and other mammalian species such as swine, horse and avian species," said Dr. Ming Liu, acting CEO of the company. "The concerns of a human outbreak of the avian influenza virus have raised significant concerns. Our system can rapidly detect whether we are dealing with an ordinary flu strain or the more serious avian strain. Furthermore, genetic analysis is one of the effective ways to determine whether the virus has mutated to a point where it is dangerous to humans. The need to perform this analysis rapidly cannot be understated in today's world where an airplane ride can transmit a virus thousands of miles in a short period of time."
The HDA-GT12 system uses a consumable multi-channel cartridge that can be used to detect multiple influenza samples simultaneously. The cartridge is engaged to eGene's system and can automatically inject and analyze 12 DNA samples at the same time for results available in six minutes, or for 96 samples from a PCR plate for results available in 50 minutes -- less than an hour.
"This automated and affordable system can be easily operated for avian influenza virus detection," said Dr. Liu.
He noted that eGene recently tested its system utilizing the reagents from In-Vitro Diagnostic FluAVision kits provided by DNA Technology A/S (Denmark). Positive control of influenza A from the testing kit was used for amplification and analyzed with the eGene HDA-GT12 system.
Previously, eGene explained that its analyzer, if placed in airports and other ports of entry throughout the world, can be used to determine if the flu virus is present in the DNA samples of travelers entering -- or leaving -- a given locale.
"The fact that our compact, low-cost, automated digital genetic analysis system platform can do the detection and analysis work in a short time means that should a flu pandemic break out, our system could easily detect and notify officials of a virus carrier who may not be exhibiting physical symptoms of the flu. This is very important, because with illnesses like the flu, the virus is already present and multiplying even in the absence of physical symptoms," explained Dr. Liu. "This could potentially stop the spread of the flu."
eGene currently sells its HDA-GT12 system in more than 100 hospitals and research centers worldwide, and is looking to expand U.S. distribution.
The HDA-GT12(TM) Genetic Analyzer analyzes the genetic fingerprints of living organisms through the microsatellites AFLP and RFLP. It performs fast DNA sample screening and high-resolution DNA fragment analysis (2-5bp). 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.
About eGene Inc.
eGene Inc. ( www.egeneinc.com) focuses its core technologies of capillary electrophoresis, microfluidics, liquid handling and automation to develop and manufacture low-cost microfluidic, miniaturized digital genetic analyzer systems, software and consumables for biological materials testing applications. These products detect, quantify, identify and characterize DNA and RNA at high rates of specificity and sensitivity while automating routine and non-routine laboratory and industrial procedures critical to product safety, development quality and productivity.
his press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors. The company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revision, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
SOURCE: eGene Inc.
Martin E. Janis & Company Inc. for eGene Inc.
Beverly Jedynak, 312-943-1100, ext. 12
bjedynak@janispr.com
Copyright Business Wire 2006
