CPHD - Cephid (CPHD)

[StockTrader]

Cepheid Granted U.S. Patent Covering GeneXpert(R) Cartridge

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cepheid (Nasdaq: CPHD) today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent 6,374,684 covering the fundamental fluidic control technology that enables cartridge-based automated preparation of biological samples in the company's GeneXpert(R) DNA detection system.

"This patent is essential to Cepheid's vision to move DNA testing out of the lab and into everyday, routine use," said Kurt Petersen, Ph.D., president and chief operating officer. "The novel cartridge provides the flexibility to perform a broad range of sample preparation functions on a variety of biological samples, such as blood, urine, emulsified tissue or food, and environmental samples. At the same time, the cartridge eliminates cross-contamination between samples, between chambers in the cartridge and between the cartridge and the instrument. Such cross-contamination has been a major impediment to commercialization of DNA-based assays."

Cepheid has achieved sample-processing capability in its GeneXpert cartridge through the use of a unique valve system with an integral syringe drive that maintains a dry interface between the cartridge and the GeneXpert instrument. The Cepheid cartridge design is the fundamental technology that allows an inexperienced user to operate the GeneXpert system for DNA detection and analysis.

Automated Sample Preparation

Before a biological sample can be analyzed for its DNA content, a variety of complex procedures must be performed. These include cell separation, washing, cell lysing and DNA or RNA purification. Current techniques for accomplishing this same series of procedures require extensive manual labor by skilled technicians and can take hours to several days. In the GeneXpert cartridge, fully automated sample preparation for a variety of samples can be accomplished in as little as five minutes.

With a prototype delivered to the U.S. Department of Defense at the end of last year and commercial availability slated for 2003, Cepheid's GeneXpert will deliver results from a sample in 30 minutes, enabling time-critical DNA tests at the point of need. Developed directly by Cepheid and through its partners, potential applications for the GeneXpert include clinical diagnostics, food testing, environmental testing and bio-threat detection.

Cepheid, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of miniaturized, fully integrated systems for rapid, on-site detection of DNA -- the universal biological identifier. Founded in 1996, the company is commercializing its technology and products for scientific, medical and industrial applications requiring time-critical detection of human and other genes, infectious disease agents, and industrial and environmental contaminants at the point of need. Cepheid and GeneXpert are registered trademarks of Cepheid. See http://www.cepheid.com for more information.

Statements in this release, including new product plans and business prospects are forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from these statements due to risks and uncertainties, including the impact of competitive products and pricing, market acceptance of new products, market conditions and enforcement of intellectual property rights. A more detailed description of these risks and other risks applicable to Cepheid appears in Cepheid's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available upon request from Cepheid. Cepheid disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.


MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X36576656

SOURCE Cepheid

CONTACT: John Bishop, Chief Executive Officer, [phone], or [e-mail], or Thomas Gutshall, Chairman, [phone], or [e-mail], both of Cepheid; or media, Yvonne Blaxter of Versaggi Biocommunications(R), [phone], or [e-mail], for Cepheid

Copyright © 2002, PR Newswire