Asuragen to Present at 2018 Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Annual Meeting

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Asuragen, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company delivering easy-to-use products for complex testing in genetics and oncology, will host a corporate workshop, deliver an oral presentation during the poster platform session, and present multiple scientific posters at the upcoming 2018 Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Annual Meeting & Expo November 1-3 in San Antonio.

The corporate workshop will host Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the molecular diagnostics section of the genetic laboratory and professor in the department of pediatrics at Rush Medical College, and Gary Latham, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development at Asuragen, to review the successful extension of AmplideX^® technology to new, challenging targets. Dr. Berry-Kravis will review preliminary data with the prototype AmplideX PCR/CE SMN1/2 Kit*, which enables rapid, streamlined, and scalable copy number resolution of these genes. Dr. Latham will further elaborate on future endeavors for AmplideX technology, including the AmplideX PCR/CE HTT Kit* that provides robust analysis of CAG repeats in the HTT gene, aberrations which are associated with Huntington’s disease.

“Beginning with FMR1, the experience of our laboratory has been that AmplideX PCR technology has greatly improved the analysis of repeat sequences and increased the accessibility of testing for fragile X-associated disorders,” said Dr. Berry-Kravis. “In our recent evaluation of a new AmplideX PCR/CE assay for SMN1 and SMN2, we’ve found that the technology can reach beyond repeat expansions and accurately resolve copy number changes as well.”

The workshop, titled “New Horizons for AmplideX Technology: Portfolio Expansions to New High Complexity Targets & Beyond,” will take place from 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. on October 31, 2018 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in Room 217BC.

The company has also been invited to participate in the Platform Presentations for Selected Genetics Abstracts session, where Sarah Statt, Ph.D., will present analytical performance data for the AmplideX PCR/CE HTT Kit*. The presentation, titled “Two-site Evaluation of a One-tube PCR/CE Assay that Resolves CAG Length Polymorphisms in Exon 1 of the HTT Gene,” will highlight the excellent concordance of results across external testing sites using a novel assay design and streamlined workflow. The presentation will occur between 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 2.

“With our rapidly expanding genetics and oncology portfolios, we continue to provide simple solutions for an increasing number of challenging targets facing the clinical and research communities,” said Matthew McManus, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Asuragen. “As we demonstrate through our participation in AMP’s numerous platforms this year, our new and emerging assays for SMN1/2, HTT, and solid tumor profiling show that even difficult genes can be analyzed simply, reliably, and efficiently.”

Asuragen will also present the following posters about emerging developments within its genetics and oncology portfolios during the event’s scientific poster sessions.

The following will be presented during Friday’s poster session from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

• I004: A Machine-Learning Framework for Accurate Classification and Quantification of Oncogenic Variants Using the QuantideX^® NGS DNA Hotspot 21 Kit^**,*** (Lando Ringel)
• ST130: Analytical Validation of the QuantideX NGS DNA Hotspot 21 Kit^**,***, a Diagnostic NGS System for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in FFPE Tumors (Kevin Kelnar)
• G026: Two-site Evaluation of a One-tube PCR/CE Assay that Resolves CAG Length Polymorphisms in Exon 1 of the HTT Gene (Sarah Statt, Ph.D.)
• G058: Evaluation of a Single-tube, Long-read, Two-mode PCR Technology that Reports the Categorical Range of DMPK CTG Expansions and Resolves up to 2000 Repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (Brad Hall, Ph.D.)

The following will be presented during Saturday’s poster session from 9:45-10:45 a.m.

• G027: A Streamlined, Single-tube PCR Assay that Quantifies SMN1 and SMN2 Copy Numbers Using Capillary Electrophoresis (Ila-Laosinchai-Wolf)

The company will also have a presence at booth #1207 during the conference.

* Product in development. Specifications not finalized.
** For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
*** CE-IVD. For US export only.

About Asuragen

Asuragen is a molecular diagnostic product company changing the way patients are treated in genetics and oncology. Asuragen’s diagnostic systems, composed of proprietary chemistry and software, deliver powerful answers using broadly installed instrument platforms. They are simple to adopt and expand the ability to serve patients. Asuragen is a product foundry rapidly and efficiently addressing current and emerging clinical needs, including cancer diagnosis and monitoring, reproductive health and aging, serving laboratories across a patient’s lifespan with its best in class diagnostic tests. For more information, visit www.asuragen.com.

 

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