SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Swift Biosciences Inc., a developer of innovative genetic analysis tools for the diagnostic industry, today presented two applications of their myT Primer qPCR. Results were presented for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays that can detect mutations in two cancer genes: KRAS and BRAF. These assays were evaluated for analytical sensitivity and specificity in model and clinical research samples. In both cases myT Primer assays demonstrated very high sensitivity: each was capable of detecting a single copy of the corresponding mutant template molecule with virtually no background. When compared to a leading commercially available KRAS qPCR mutation test kit, myT Primer assays demonstrated on average several orders of improved specificity. myT Primer assays were also effective with clinical research samples; single copy sensitivity was achieved for KRAS assays when used to genotype formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens from Stage III colorectal tumors. Similar results were obtained for BRAF assays when used to genotype melanoma FFPE specimens.
Swift Biosciences also reported proof of concept with myT Primers for the detection of mutations found in both circulating tumor cells and cell-free serum or plasma DNA. Limiting dilutions of cultured cancer cells harboring KRAS mutations were added to whole human blood and subjected to allele-specific myT Primer assays; single copy detection of mutant alleles was observed in a background of 14,000 copies (50 ng) of wild type genomic DNA. Plasmid mixing experiments suggest that the absolute limit for myT Primer analytical selectivity may be as low as 1 in 100 million.
“We are excited about the exceptional performance of the myT Primer qPCR assays on clinical research samples,” said Valdimir Makarov, PhD and Chief Scientific Officer at Swift Biosciences. Dr. Makarov added, “We feel that myT Primers are also well suited for emerging applications such blood based evaluation and monitoring of cancers, and genotyping small samples such as needle biopsies.”
“We expect to begin commercializing the myT Primer qPCR assays later this year,” said David Olson, PhD and CEO at Swift Biosciences. “At this time we are looking for industrial partners who would like to incorporate the myT Primers advantages into their kits or processes.”
About myT Primer qPCR technology
Swift Biosciences has developed myT Primers, which enable highly selective qPCR assays for detection of cancer mutations. myT Assays are based on proprietary primers that have unique thermodynamic properties that make them highly sensitive to mismatch discrimination. A gating factor in the performance of allele-specific qPCR lies with the “detection” primer (the primer which hybridizes to DNA at the mutation site). Detection primers must stringently discriminate between mutant and normal sequences to achieve high analytical sensitivity (minimum copy number of mutant DNA that generates a detectable signal) and high analytical specificity (maximum copy number of wild type DNA that does not result in a detectable signal). The distinctive physical characteristics of myT Primers enable both high sensitivity and specificity, making them ideal for cancer research and diagnostic research applications. To date, allele-specific assays have been developed for the common mutations in the KRAS and BRAF genes. myT Primers work in conventional qPCR machines using standard single tube format.
About Swift Biosciences
Swift Biosciences Inc., based in Ann Arbor, MI, is an innovative developer molecular biology protocols and reagents for research and diagnostic research applications. The Company’s novel platform technologies are being developed for qPCR and Next Generation Sequencing markets. Swift Biosciences’ products are designed to produce better and faster results, at lower cost and be compatible with customers’ existing systems.
For more information about Swift Biosciences please visit www.SwiftBioSci.com
SOURCE Swift Biosciences Inc.
