IntegenX, NuGEN Technologies, Inc. Announce Collaboration to Automate the NuGEN Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Sample Preparation Workflows

PLEASANTON, CA--(Marketwire - April 07, 2011) - IntegenX Inc. and NuGEN Technologies, Inc. announced today a partnership to automate NuGEN’s NGS Sample Preparation workflows on IntegenX’s Apollo series next-generation sequencing library preparation instruments. NuGEN’s Ovation® RNA-Seq System is the first kit to be automated under this agreement. By processing up to 32 samples from as little as 500 pg each of total RNA, the Apollo 324 system replaces hundreds of manual steps. The integrated workflow automation on the Apollo 324 benchtop system will accelerate RNA-Seq analysis of critical clinical samples such as circulating tumor cells and fine needle aspirates, and enable rapid, systematic genetic exploration of vast biobank tissue collections.

“Our NGS library preparation workflow for the Apollo 324 proves that the system can run optimized nucleic acid chemistries for cDNA synthesis, purification, amplification, and modification,” said Stevan Jovanovich PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of IntegenX. “Automating NuGEN’s NGS sample preparation workflows that apply their proprietary linear amplification technology (SPIA®) finally makes it practical for researchers to include large-scale studies on preserved tissues and small cell populations in the process of solving biological problems,” he added.

“Leveraging automation on the Apollo 324 system is a critical next step to support the rapid adoption of NuGEN’s NGS sample preparation portfolio,” said Elizabeth Hutt, Chief Executive Officer of NuGEN. “This extends the benefits of our Ovation product line to many more researchers who need higher throughput for NGS analysis. We look forward to working with IntegenX in the future to integrate additional sample preparation solutions for other NGS applications beyond transcriptome sequencing.”

The two companies plan on commercializing this first automated system later in 2011.

About IntegenX Inc.
IntegenX Inc., headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, is a privately-held company that designs, manufactures and markets automated DNA and RNA based sample preparation systems for life sciences, applied sciences, and diagnostics markets. IntegenX products eliminate the most acute pain points affecting widely adopted laboratory workflows. The company’s expertise and intellectual property includes its patented MOVe™ valve technology and proprietary patent pending PrepX™ reagent kits. The microfluidics technology platform integrates advanced fluidics and robotic capabilities to produce sample-to-answer performance for DNA-based forensics, human identity (HID) testing and biodefense, and to prepare samples for DNA and RNA sequencing as well as molecular diagnostics applications. For more information, please visit www.integenx.com.

About NuGEN
NuGEN provides revolutionary RNA and DNA sample preparation technologies that enable life scientists to do more with less. With innovative reagent solutions that are quick and easy to use, NuGEN empowers researchers to prepare genomic samples of any size, from almost any source, regardless of the intended application or technology platform. Committed to advancing the life sciences, NuGEN ensures robust and reproducible results for researchers seeking to predict disease risk and drug response, potentially shortening the path to treatment. For more information please visit http://www.nugeninc.com.