Filter News

Co-Diagnostics, Inc. Announces Advancement of Co-Primers™ Technology in Multiplex SNP Genotyping

Published: Jun 05, 2018

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CODX) (“Co-Diagnostics” or the “Company”), a molecular diagnostics company with a unique, proprietary platform for the development of diagnostic tests, announced today an advancement in the Company’s Co-Primer™ platform technology in multiplex tests for SNP detection, which allows for multiple targets to be identified in a single reaction without costly and time-consuming re-optimization of primers.
 
SNP detection refers to finding small-scale but clinically-significant mutations in a given gene using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Medical applications of SNP detection include identifying the presence of cancer cells or cell-free genetic material in a liquid or tissue biopsy, and to determine the distinct type of cancer involved. A real-life example of this includes being able to identify specific mutation(s) in genes linked to breast cancer in order to determine a patient’s prognosis, initiate the most effective and affordable treatment and to determine whether chemotherapy is necessary. SNP detection is also used in the agricultural industry to identify variations in crop genomes associated with desired characteristics such as higher yield, drought and disease resistance and improved seed viability.
 
Multiplexing is the ability to identify several different DNA sequences (or loci) simultaneously in a single PCR test procedure, as opposed to conducting several individual procedures. As multiple SNP targets are added to a multiplexed reaction, the individual primer pair molecules used in standard PCR reactions must be designed, optimized and verified independently to ensure they do not cross-react and affect the outcome (i.e. generate a false positive result). The recently completed study confirms the ability of CoPrimers to be used in multiplexed SNP reactions without subsequent re-optimization, allowing researchers or technicians to utilize any combination of primer sets without concerns of cross-reactivity.
 
Co-Diagnostics CEO Dwight Egan commented: “The unique structure and cooperative relationship between the Co-Primer molecules enhance PCR by making the reactions more specific, to better differentiate between similar target genetic sequences. The medical and diagnostics industries are more aware than ever of the importance of correctly and accurately identifying the existence and genetic variant of cancer in patients afflicted by this life-altering condition. The Company’s development will further augment our product offerings, where specificity is the key to unlocking successful multiplexed reactions. Industry experts have already recognized the advantages of Co-Primers in being able to “mix-and-match” primers for SNP mutations and we are confident that the potential applications of our advanced technology represents a key opportunity for the Company, and for PCR technology as a whole.”
 
About Co-Diagnostics, Inc.:

Co-Diagnostics, Inc., a Utah corporation, is a molecular diagnostics company that has developed and intends to manufacture and sell reagents used for diagnostic tests that function via the detection and/or analysis of nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA).

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "may," "plans," "will" and similar expressions, or the negative of these words. Such forward-looking statements are based on facts and conditions as they exist at the time such statements are made and predictions as to future facts and conditions. Readers of this press release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement relating to matters discussed in this press release, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

 

Contacts

Company Contact:
Co-Diagnostics, Inc.
Andrew Benson, 801-438-1036
Investor Relations
investors@codiagnostics.com
or
Investor Contact:
Lytham Partners, LLC
Joe Diaz, Robert Blum and Joe Dorame
602-889-9700
codx@lythampartners.com

 

 
 

Source: Co-Diagnostics, Inc.

Related links

Back to news