DNAe Named as Top Innovator Finalist in the Inaugural 2018 Medtech Insight Awards

London, UK and Carlsbad, CA, USA – 8 August 2018 – DNAe, the inventor of semiconductor-based genomic analysis technologies, and the developer of a new game-changing test for bloodstream infections (BSI) that can lead to sepsis, today announced that it has been shortlisted for the inaugural 2018 Medtech Insight Awards, in the category ‘Most Innovative Team or Innovator of the Year’.

The finalists were judged by a panel of independent experts, who are highly regarded within the medtech sector. DNAe was selected in recognition of its development achievements in the qualifying period 1 January 2017 - 31 May 2018, and towards realizing a rapid, user-friendly, direct-from-sample diagnostic platform based on its semiconductor sequencing technology[1].

Each year in the US, at least two million people become infected with bacteria resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die[2]. The problem is getting worse and unless tackled, antibiotic resistance could result in ten million extra deaths each year and cost the global economy an estimated $100 trillion by 2050[3]. Pathogen identification using current standard-of-care culture-based diagnostics is slow. Patients typically receive empirical treatment, given without knowledge of the underlying cause of their illness, impacting survival rates and hospital stay negatively.

The DNAe platform in development will be used in hospitals, much closer to the frontline of care than sequencing is used today, for a range of urgent clinical applications. It is funded in part by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)* who awarded DNAe a contract worth up to $51.9 million, if all options are exercised, to develop the next generation sequencing platform for rapid diagnosis of antimicrobial resistant infections and influenza.

Dr Steve Allen, CEO of DNAe Group Holdings, commented: “We are extremely proud to be chosen as one of the top medical technology innovators of 2018. We are delighted that the technologies we have invented, and the inspirational thinking and diligence of our talented scientists and engineers have come together to deliver this success. Diagnostics are a key part of the solution to tackling the growing global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance. We are committed to transforming infectious disease diagnosis by redesigning DNA sequencing from the ground up to enable its use closer to the frontline of care.”

The Most Innovative Team or Innovator of the Year category recognizes high performing medical technology teams who have contributed significantly to the device and diagnostic space. The award winner will be the team deemed by the expert judges most successful in having reached its goals, adopted innovative working practices, achieved major milestones within expected timelines, and contributed to the advancement of medical technology for unmet medical needs.

The full list of Medtech Insight Award finalists can be found online, here. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony to be held on the evening of 23 September at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia, USA.

In parallel to its next-generation sequencing based platform, DNAe is developing a diagnostic which uses DNA amplification (PCR) and semiconductor technology, to detect pathogens and key resistance markers. Also operating directly from blood, this first-generation system will provide actionable results within 2-3 hours. The test, called LiDia® Bloodstream Infection (BSI), has the potential to transform the management of sepsis.

*BARDA is part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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About DNAe – www.dnae.com

DNAe is developing its pioneering semiconductor DNA sequencing technology for healthcare applications where rapid near-patient live diagnostics is needed to provide actionable information to clinicians, saving lives by enabling the right treatment at the right time.

In January 2015 DNAe acquired nanoMR, Inc. (now DNA Electronics Inc.), a developer of a novel system for rapid isolation of rare cells in the bloodstream. DNAe is developing LiDia®, its sample-to-result genomic analysis platform, combining DNA Electronics Inc.’s Pathogen Capture System with its own portfolio of semiconductor-based genomic technologies, trademarked Genalysis®. The LiDia® range of tests will enable DNA analysis directly on a microchip, providing rapid and accurate results from a user-friendly system.

DNAe’s initial focus is on infectious disease diagnostics, where speed and DNA-specific information can make the difference between life and death. LiDia® will launch with the LiDia® Bloodstream Infection (BSI) test, a groundbreaking rapid direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections that lead to sepsis. Built into a compact device for use at the point of need, the system will diagnose accurately and rapidly what infection a patient has, providing the clinician with actionable information to help select the appropriate antibiotics to treat the disease.

A private company, with bases in London, UK and Carlsbad, CA, USA, DNAe has strong financial backing from its investors, including major shareholder Genting Berhad, a Malaysian-based global investor with a growing portfolio of cutting–edge life sciences companies.

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