London, UK and Carlsbad, CA, USA – 13 September 2017 – DNAe, the inventor of next generation semiconductor DNA sequencing technology and developer of a new, game-changing test for bloodstream infections, announces that its CBO, Nick McCooke presented an update on its first product, the LiDia™ bloodstream infections (BSI) test, and outlined DNAe’s pipeline of genomic-based tests at BioCentury’s 24th Annual Newsmakers in the Biotech Industry. The conference took place on the 8th September 2017 in New York.
Commenting on DNAe’s position in the fast-growing diagnostics market, Mr McCooke said: “Our use of semiconductor-based genomic analysis sets us apart from other molecular diagnostics companies by combining the analytical power of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies with the speed of multiplexed PCR platforms. This is critical to facilitating the integration of genomic technologies into the everyday workflow of physicians and hospitals, and will have a profound impact on how patients are treated.”
DNAe’s genomic analysis platform, LiDia™, is based on the invention of semiconductor DNA sequencing by serial technology innovator and DNAe’s founder and Executive Chairman, Professor Chris Toumazou and his team. DNAe has further developed semiconductor technology to enhance its utility in diagnostic applications, where its analysis of DNA and RNA on microchips has the potential to transform the way patients are treated.
LiDia™ is a closed system that can be operated at the clinical point-of-need, with no laboratory services or specialist training required. It is able to deliver accurate results in less than three hours, direct from blood (or other sample material), providing treating physicians with valuable intelligence to help treat their patients.
The first test available on the LiDia™ platform will be the LiDia™ bloodstream infection (BSI) test, a rapid blood-to-result diagnostic for use in the management of sepsis. LiDia™ BSI offers a significant reduction in time-to-result compared to the current standard of culture-based diagnosis, which requires a microbiology lab and generally several days to produce a result. Uniquely, LiDia™ BSI will test for both bacterial and fungal pathogens with a single test, as well as testing for antimicrobial resistance.
Privately held, DNAe has strong financial backing from its major shareholder, Genting Berhad. A Malaysian-based global investor, Genting Berhad has invested in a portfolio of cutting–edge life sciences companies that includes Synthetic Genomics and Human Longevity.
In September 2016, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) a division of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded DNAe $51.9m in non-dilutive funding to further develop its diagnostic technology to address two global health threats; AMR and pandemic Influenza. DNAe’s is the first ever next generation sequencing platform to receive funding from BARDA.
About DNAe – www.dnae.com
DNAe is commercializing 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™ launches with the LiDia™ Bloodstream Infection (BSI) test, a ground-breaking 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.
About NewsMakers in the Biotech Industry
NewsMakers presents a hand-picked group of public biotech companies whose corporate and regulatory milestones will drive stock prices. NewsMakers is recognized as the industry's key venue for companies to take their story to Wall Street each fall. Thus, NewsMakers remains the best opportunity for business development executives and key members of the institutional investment and analyst communities to compare notes and assess the industry landscape.
Last year, more than 500 delegates congregated at NewsMakers, including money managers who controlled more than $600 billion in equity assets, with over $50 billion dedicated to healthcare and $15 billion dedicated to biotech.
Issued for and on behalf of DNAe by Instinctif Partners.
For more information please contact: DNAe@instinctif.com
