Seegene, Inc. Awarded European Patent for Dual Priming Oligonucleotide (DPO(TM)) Technology

GAITHERSBURG, MD and SEOUL, KOREA--(Marketwire - October 21, 2011) - Seegene, Inc., a leader in multiplex molecular diagnostics (M-MoDx), today announced that it has been awarded a patent by the European Patent Office (EPO) for its Dual Priming Oligonucleotide (DPO™) technology.

DPO is a foundation technology in the emerging field of multiplex molecular diagnostics. The technology powers M-MoDx tests that are capable of simultaneously detecting multiple targets with high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility.

Today Seegene M-MoDx assays based on DPO are used in more than 300 hospitals and laboratories in 50 countries around the world. These tests are used to detect infectious diseases including respiratory diseases, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis, as well as in prognostic genetic tests, pharmacogenetics tests and oncology diagnostics.

“With this patent we continue to strengthen our intellectual property leadership in multiplex molecular diagnostics,” said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, Chief Executive Officer of Seegene.

“Since our founding in 2000, we have been guided by our belief that cost-effective, responsive and tailored patient care begins with a multiplex molecular diagnostic test. DPO is one of several Seegene core technologies that enable tests that can rapidly identify and differentiate infectious agents, as well as their resistance profile, at the same time, in a single test and in a single tube,” added Dr. Chun.

DPO is a core technology that is utilized in all of Seegene’s product lines, including Seeplex, Anyplex™, Magicplex™, Anyplex plus and Anyplex II tests.

About Seegene
Seegene is the world’s leading developer of multiplex molecular diagnostics (M-MoDx). Seegene’s core enabling technologies -- ACP™, DPO™, READ™, and TOCE™ -- are the foundation for M-MoDx tests that can simultaneously detect multiple targets with high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility. Seegene’s products detect multi-pathogens with great reliability and throughput, ultimately providing the most economical basis for saving time, labor and cost. Seegene’s mission is to maintain leadership in molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and oncology using innovative proprietary technologies.

For more information please visit www.seegene.com or call +301-762-9066.