Study Finds Seegene, Inc. Seeplex(R) DV Multiplex Test Reliably Detects Diarrheal Pathogens More Effectively and Economically Than 'Home Brew' Tests

ROCKVILLE, MD and SEOUL, KOREA--(Marketwire - August 15, 2011) -

Seegene today announced the publication of an independent retrospective study evaluating the Seeplex® Diarrhea-V ACE (Seeplex® DV) assay. The study was published online on July 20 ahead of printing by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21775550). The assay was found to be sensitive, specific, convenient and reliable for the direct detection of multiple enteric viruses in one reaction from patients with gastroenteritis. In addition the study found that the Seegene test "has the attractive feature of improving testing methods while also being more economical than previously used methods."

Seeplex® DV is a novel commercialized multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay capable of simultaneously detecting and differentiating five common viral diarrheal pathogens; adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus genogroup I (GI) and GII and astrovirus. The assay has been approved for use in more than 30 countries accepting the CE-IVD mark, as well as Health Canada. Many laboratories and hospitals located in around 30 countries, including UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, use the product currently. However, the detection kit is not available in the United States and has not yet been cleared for use by the United States Food & Drug Administration.

Viral gastroenteritis outbreaks occur frequently in nursing homes and health care institutions as well as on cruise ships. The incidence of viral induced gastroenteritis has been reported to be on the increase and in certain cases can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Acute intestinal infection can be caused by one of several viruses, including adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus GI and GII or astrovirus.

The authors of the study note that current molecular diagnostic technologies rely on laboratory-developed, or "home brew" tests that are expensive require advanced clinical techniques, and often test for only one infection at a time. The authors add that "the Seeplex® DV assay demonstrates several strengths as a commercial assay for use in a wider range of clinical laboratory settings outside of a highly resourced center."

About Seegene
Seegene, Inc. is a leading molecular diagnostics company developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative "multiplex" (or "multi-pathogen detection") molecular diagnostic products and services. It holds proprietary technologies of both PCR and Real-time PCR named ACP™, DPO™, and READ, which sets a standard in high-throughput and simultaneous multi-pathogen detection called "multiplex PCR." The novel multiplex Real-time PCR technology, READ, overcomes the limitations of conventional Real-time PCR, providing dramatic improvement in sensitivity and specificity. Seegene holds three novel Molecular diagnostic platforms: Seeplex® system adapting DPO™ Technology, Anyplex™ and Magicplex™ system which are Real-time PCR detection platform adapting DPO™ and READ Technology. Seegene's products detect multi-pathogens with great reliability and throughput, ultimately providing the most economical basis for saving time, labor and cost. Seegene's mission is to maintain leadership in molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and oncology using innovative proprietary technologies. Currently, no Seegene kits are available for sale in the United States.

For more information please visit www.seegene.com or call +301-762-9066.


Contacts:
David L. Dolinger, Ph.D.
Seegene Inc.
301-762-9066
Email Contact
or
Constantine Theodoropulos
Boston Communications
617-816-4637
Email Contact

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