SAN CARLOS, Calif., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- NuGEN Technologies, Inc., a privately held company that develops and commercializes the new standard in RNA amplification and labeling systems, and Paris-based ExonHit Therapeutics S.A. and its U.S.-based subsidiary in Gaithersburg, Maryland today announced a service agreement to provide researchers access to amplification and analysis services for microarray sample processing. The agreement features NuGEN’s Ovation(TM) solutions which are designed to simply and sensitively amplify, fragment, and label RNA for gene expression studies from particularly small, degraded, and difficult samples.
Under the agreement, ExonHit will use the Ovation solutions’ robust, automated protocols and reagents to investigate customer samples including those with very small numbers of cells from laser-captured micro-dissected biopsies (LCM), whole blood, fine-needle aspirates, sorted cells, and embryonic structures.
Ovation solutions eliminate the need for time-consuming globin reduction or multiple rounds of amplification required with other protocols. Depending on the application, with as little as 500 picograms of total RNA, Ovation solutions can reproducibly yield sufficient cDNA for analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip(R) microarrays or qPCR in as little as four hours.
This is particularly valuable for the growing numbers of researchers adopting gene expression technologies who demand fast, accurate, and reproducible results from precious or limited samples.
“ExonHit was a logical choice to provide amplification and analysis services for Ovation solutions,” noted Sue Pandey, vice president of commercial operations for NuGEN. “Its recognized expertise in gene expression analysis and high caliber of service will bring enormous value to researchers throughout the world.”
NuGEN’s applications-based approach to clinically relevant sample types provides researchers with a range of tools to address the analysis and discovery of biological mechanisms, cellular responses, and disease pathologies.
“Ovation solutions expand the range and sample types previously difficult or impossible to access for gene expression studies,” explained Laurent Bracco, PhD, founder and executive vice president of technology for ExonHit Therapeutics. “This will make an important contribution in mining information from valuable samples.”
About NuGEN Technologies, Inc.
NuGEN Technologies is focused on the development and commercialization of sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective amplification and detection systems for genomic research. The company’s technologies enable the comprehensive analysis and discovery of biological mechanisms, cellular responses, and disease pathologies. NuGEN’s proprietary SPIA(TM) and Ribo-SPIA(TM) amplification and labeling system for DNA- and RNA-based applications, form the foundation for a wide range of methods and products used by life scientists. The Ovation(TM) amplification and labeling product lines, have applied these technologies to enhancing the sensitivity, convenience, and accuracy of gene expression analysis. Based in San Carlos, CA, NuGEN has a world-class investor syndicate, several collaborations with leading academic and commercial organizations, and a management team with significant experience developing and marketing products for research or clinical diagnostic applications. For more information, visit www.nugeninc.com.
NuGEN, Ovation, SPIA, Ribo-SPIA, WT-Ovation, FL-Ovation, and Imagine More From Less are trademarks or service marks of NuGEN Technologies, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About ExonHit Therapeutics S.A.
ExonHit Therapeutics is the world’s leader in the analysis of alternative RNA splicing and a contract research service laboratory for gene expression analysis. Founded in 1997, ExonHit is headquartered in Paris, France and has a U.S. facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Company is listed on Alternext of Euronext Paris since November 17, 2005.
For more information: www.exonhit.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including continued growth in demand by researchers for total RNA analysis, continued use of oligo and cDNA microarrays, acceptance by researchers of the Company’s technologies and products, and competition from existing and newly developed products. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current expectations as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
NuGEN Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: Nassim Nouri, Director of Marketing of NuGEN Technologies, Inc.,U.S., +1-650-590-3600, info@nugeninc.com; or John Jaskowiak, VicePresident, Business Development of ExonHit, Therapeutics, Inc., U.S.,+1-240-404-0187, john.jaskowiak@exonhit-usa.com
