SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - November 18, 2009) - Linkage Biosciences, Inc., a privately
held molecular diagnostics company, recently unveiled LinkSeq™ -- a new
one-step method for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing -- at the annual
meeting of the American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
(ASHI) in San Francisco. Much faster than other HLA testing methods
currently available, LinkSeq™ is a proprietary sequence-specific priming
(SSP) chemistry that can be analyzed utilizing real-time PCR platforms.
"Lab professionals have been waiting for a faster method of HLA testing for
years and we're excited to be able to offer a solution that not only saves
precious time and labor, but also uses equipment that many labs already
own, eliminating upfront costs," said Zachary Antovich, President and CEO
of Linkage Biosciences. "We are very pleased by the positive reaction from
leading medical labs to the LinkSeq™ product line and look forward to
helping them achieve their goals. We are addressing a significant market
opportunity for HLA testing, estimated to be in excess of $270 million
globally."
HLA genes encode cell-surface proteins that are essential elements of the
immune system. These proteins are a major factor influencing immunity,
autoimmunity, genetic disease, and tissue transplantation. Current methods
of testing typically rely on gel electrophoresis or nucleic acid probing
techniques. These methods require substantial time, labor, and skilled
laboratory workers; even then, data analysis is often complicated and time
consuming.
With LinkSeq™, the actual labor time is under 15 minutes with results
ready in about 90 minutes, a significant improvement compared to the 4-6
hours typically required by other HLA testing methods. In addition to
saving time, LinkSeq's single step process reduces the potential for
contamination since samples are handled only once and then sealed in
reaction plates.
"LinkSeq™ is a major improvement in the workflow for HLA typing. I like
the quick turnaround times and easy set-up; just add DNA to a tube and
pipette into the reaction plate. Very straightforward," said Dr. Elizabeth
Trachtenberg, Director, HLA/Immunogenetics Laboratory, Children's Hospital
and Research Center Oakland.
LinkSeq's innovative chemistry, an end-point PCR process, utilizes SYBR®
Green to detect HLA genes. Once the PCR amplification process is
completed, SYBR® Green fluorescence is detected via the real-time PCR
platform to identify specific HLA genotypes. Gels and probing steps are
eliminated and data analysis is simplified with the company's SureTyper™
software, automating the entire process.
"LinkSeq™ chemistry combined with SYBR® analysis provides clear and
defined results. Scale-up is easy too, since the trays can be run on
common thermal cyclers prior to analysis. This is an attractive feature,"
said Dr. Shalini Pereira, Director, Clinical Immunogenetics Laboratory,
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
About Linkages Biosciences
Linkage Biosciences, Inc. is a venture-backed molecular diagnostics company
developing and marketing products that will dramatically improve and
expedite complex genetic testing. LinkSeq™, the company's new HLA
testing product line, is used in immunogenetic research. The company,
headquartered in San Francisco, California, has assembled an outstanding
management and scientific team. To learn more please visit
www.linkagebio.com.
Note: The product name LinkSeq™ contains an 'e' with a line over it.
This character is not compatible with the news wire services.
For Research Use Only.
Copyright 2009. Linkage Biosciences Inc. All rights reserved.
Linkage Biosciences™, LinkSeq™, and SureTyper™ are trademarks of
Linkage Biosciences Inc. SYBR® Green is a trademark of Life Technologies
Corporation.
