Rheonix To Present Data On User-Defined Tests And Next-Generation Sequencing Library Preparation With Its Automated Molecular Testing Workstation

Company to showcase technology at AMP 2016 that streamlines assay workflows and improves efficiencies in research and clinical environments

ITHACA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rheonix Inc., a developer of fully automated molecular testing solutions, will highlight its Encompass Optimum^™ workstation at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Annual Meeting Nov. 10-12 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The workstation simplifies many of the steps required to create customized user-defined assays by automating test performance and reporting of results. Rheonix will present data from a user-defined assay for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as data that demonstrates new capabilities of its system in next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation.

“Rheonix Encompass Optimum: The Road to Easier Assay Development”

Richard Montagna, Ph.D., FACB, Senior Vice President for Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Rheonix, will deliver a session, titled “Rheonix Encompass Optimum: The Road to Easier Assay Development,” on the AMP exhibit floor on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 3:00-3:45 p.m.

Dr. Montagna will present data showing use of the Rheonix Chemistry and Reagent Device (CARD^®) technology in a user-defined molecular assay that simultaneously detects 20 targets for STIs. In addition, he will report on a collaborative program with Dr. Daniel Malamud, of New York University College of Dentistry, to utilize the platform for dual assays for HIV and Zika virus. Through this joint effort, funded by a National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)/National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant, the Encompass Optimum workstation demonstrates the ability to simultaneously detect host anti-HIV antibodies and viral RNA in a single specimen of saliva or blood. Data generated by this effort demonstrates that, in addition to detecting the presence of viral RNA, the system can distinguish early immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies from late immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, thus providing more information on a patient’s stage of infection. The HIV and Zika assays are not yet cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for in vitro diagnostic use.

Dr. Montagna will also describe a collaborative effort with the University at Buffalo’s Genomics and Bioinformatics Core facility, located in the New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, for NGS library preparation. The Rheonix platform successfully reduced the time to prepare DNA libraries for sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform from 1.5 - 2.5 days to only three hours of hands-free effort. When sequenced on the Illumina platform, the resulting libraries yielded NGS sequence data indistinguishable from the labor-intensive methods previously employed by the facility.

While the Encompass Optimum workstation is currently available for research use only, Rheonix is working toward obtaining clearance of a “dual use” workstation that can perform either FDA-cleared assays or user-defined assays.

The Encompass Optimum workstation, when integrated with a Rheonix CARD cartridge, can dramatically decrease the complexities of creating user-defined testing while increasing efficiency and accuracy. The technology delivers:

• Automation / Ease of Use – The Encompass Optimum workstation can test up to 24 samples at one time from sample to result without operator intervention; once the raw specimen is loaded, the fully automated, high-efficiency system performs all sample preparation and molecular detection on the workstation.
• Accuracy – Multiple samples run simultaneously within fully enclosed cartridges, eliminating contamination, reducing user error and streamlining workflow.
• Multiplexing – The ability to combine up to 22 targets allows user-defined comprehensive panels to be run in a single test, saving time and minimizing labor and reagent usage.
• Versatility – Users have the flexibility to configure and control all aspects of assay performance with a broad range of sample types; the system is capable of processing fresh tissue, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, whole blood, serum, saliva, swabs, and urine. Modular architecture allows for rapid development of analytical solutions for the complete spectrum of user needs.

Attendees are invited to attend Dr. Montagna’s product showcase at 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 10, and visit Booth 1124 to meet the Rheonix team and learn more about how their microfluidic molecular analytical solutions can be used to improve efficiencies in laboratories. An article authored by Montagna, “Automating Molecular LDTs,” was featured in the October issue of Clinical Lab Products.

AMP was founded in 1995 to provide structure and leadership to the emerging field of molecular diagnostics, and its more than 2,300 members practice in various disciplines, including infectious diseases, inherited conditions and oncology. The 2016 AMP Annual Meeting will feature more than 200 exhibiting companies, 60 educational sessions, nearly 400 poster presentations and more than 2,000 attendees.

For more information on Rheonix, visit www.rheonix.com.

About Rheonix:

Through experienced leadership and creative vision, Rheonix has developed the Encompass Optimum™ workstation, a highly customizable technology with unmatched versatility and affordability for use in research laboratories. The workstation performs fully automated, complex molecular assays in an easy-to-use and economical format on the Rheonix CARD^® cartridge. With both the Rheonix CARD cartridge and Encompass Optimum workstation family of products, Rheonix is well positioned to penetrate key molecular testing market sectors. For more information, visit www.rheonix.com.

About NYU College of Dentistry:

Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) is the third oldest and the largest, most comprehensive dental education, research, and patient care center in the world, educating more than 8 percent of all dentists. NYU College of Dentistry has a significant global reach with a highly diverse student body. Visit http://dental.nyu.edu for more.