NOVATO, CA (Tuesday, April 6, 2010) – Biosearch Technologies, Inc. (Biosearch) today announced that the company has introduced ValuPanel™ Reagents, a new product line of oligo panels for qPCR that contain probes and primers to resolve the genetic signatures of a variety of influenza strains. The influenza ValuPanel Reagents include the previously announced signatures for H1N1 viral strains, as well as a novel set associated with Influenza A subtypes. The influenza ValuPanel assays were developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are sold under license from the CDC and F. Hoffmann-La Roche.
The Influenza A Subtyping ValuPanel Reagents comprise oligos based on the following seven signature sequences: universal strain of influenza A; influenza A H1 subtype; influenza A H3 subtype; influenza A H5a subtype; influenza A H5b subtype; universal strain of influenza B, and RNase P as a positive control. Biosearch offers 2009 H1N1 and Influenza A Subtyping ValuPanel Reagents for Research Use Only (RUO) and both panels are available online at www.biosearchtech.com/products/valupanel-reagents.aspx for immediate purchase.
Ron Cook, President and CEO of Biosearch Technologies, comments, “Over the past few years, Biosearch has developed advanced manufacturing capability and quality system management which set us apart from traditional oligonucleotide suppliers. We are pleased to apply our expertise to provide these important new reagents for the detection of all major strains of influenza. We expect to augment this listing as new assays become available.”
Biosearch Technologies is the leading provider of high value oligonucleotide components to manufacturers of molecular diagnostics and assays to screen for pathogens. The company has a proven track record as a first responder to pandemics and was the original company to offer oligonucleotide probes and primers comprising the 2009 H1N1 detection panel developed and disclosed by the CDC. FAM-BHQ® probes were key components in the “Swine Influenza Virus Real-time RT-PCR Detection Panel” designed by the CDC and continue to play the same essential role in the Influenza A Subtyping ValuPanel Reagents. As the inventor and patent holder of the BHQ® (Black Hole Quencher®) technology, Biosearch offers worldwide access to these dyes as integral components to a broad range of genomic research applications.
About Biosearch Technologies, Inc.
Biosearch Technologies, Inc. is a privately held, ISO 9001:2008 certified company, located in northern California. Founded in 1993, Biosearch is a leader in the design, development and manufacture of sophisticated oligonucleotide-based tools. Technologies include fluorophores (CAL Fluor®, Quasar® and Pulsar® dyes) and dark quenchers (Black Hole Quencher® dyes) that are then incorporated into custom-synthesized probe formats for real-time, quantitative PCR and other genomic-based applications.
In addition to basic R&D applications, Biosearch now leverages its demonstrated expertise in fully assembled RUO kits and the cGMP manufacture of oligonucleotide components for molecular diagnostic assays. As a Class I ASR manufacturer, Biosearch’s manufacturing processes conform to all applicable GMP requirements per 21 CFR Part 820. Biosearch markets include pharmaceutical, in-vitro diagnostic, biotech, ag/bio, environmental and food testing, public health, and biodefense sectors.
