Seegene, Inc. Breaks Barriers of Conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR Techniques With Powerful New Platform for New Molecular Diagnostic Tests

ROCKVILLE, MD and SEOUL, KOREA--(Marketwire - March 15, 2010) - Seegene, Inc., a leader in multi-pathogen diagnostic testing, today unveiled a break-through technology called READ (Seegene Real Amplicon Detection) that marks a significant departure with current polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques that will enable an entirely new class of powerful molecular diagnostic tests with greater precision.

"New tests developed with the READ platform means clinics will be able to provide better patient care, while reference labs will be able to test a wider range of pathogens with remarkably higher specificity and sensitivity," said Jong-Yoon Chun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seegene.

"By delivering all the advantages of multiplex and nested PCR in a real-time system, READ PCR technology enables users to accelerate PCR processing by 400% while increasing specificity and sensitivity of pathogen detection from 10 times to 100 times over current technologies. The powerful capabilities and cost effectiveness of this new platform is perfectly aligned with the needs of healthcare systems for delivering higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness in patient care," he added.

A departure from probe- and primer-based real-time PCR methods, READ PCR uses a new method of real-time PCR called Dual Signal Generation (DSG) that works in a two-step process: first specifically amplify the DNA sequences of multiple target pathogens, then simply read those signals using real-time PCR instruments.

Years under development, Seegene real-time READ PCR overcomes the limitations of conventional PCR and real-time PCR testing methods, such as low specificity and sensitivity, limited multiplexity, high re-test rates, long processing cycles and narrow range of applicable specimens for testing. The technology is also capable of detecting multiple pathogens simultaneously, making it an ideal platform for high-throughput assays.

Seegene will release new products based on READ PCR technology under the brand name of 'Magicplex,' and its comparison studies and clinical trials are ongoing in multiple different sites.

The first applications for the READ PCR platform are for the seasonal Flu A subtype H1, H3 and 2009 novel H1N1. Seegene is now offering Magicplex Flu tests capable of simultaneously detecting these strains with higher accuracy, specificity and sensitivity than the real-time PCR assays currently in use.

A priority was also assigned to the development of a kit for vancomycin-resistant genes, vanA, vanB and vanC. The Magicplex VRE test is able to simultaneously detect these three vancomycin-resistant genes, greatly aiding infection control in hospitals and intensive care settings to prevent nosocomial outbreaks. Identifying the pathogens with conventional cultured broth or rectal swabs takes 4 to 5 days for results, while Seegene's Magicplex VRE test provides accurate results in less than five hours.

Seegene is currently developing a broad range READ PCR pathogen detection and mutation detection assays.

About Seegene

Seegene, Inc. is a biotechnology company specialized in molecular diagnostics and research applications. It holds a novel detection platform named "Seeplex®," which sets a standard in high-throughput and simultaneous multi-pathogen detection called "multiplexing." Seeplex® technology accurately detects multi-pathogens with high-throughput speed, ultimately providing the most economical basis for saving time, labor and cost. Seegene develops, manufactures and markets innovative molecular diagnostic products and services to a worldwide community. The company has more than 47 distributors in 28 countries, including 2 subsidiary offices in the US and Japan. Its mission is to maintain leadership in molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and oncology, and chromosomal analyses using innovative proprietary technologies. For more information please visit www.seegene.com or call +301-762-9066.