OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Transgenomic, Inc. announced today that it has completed a preliminary study with a leading pharmaceutical company that validates the use of its licensed COLD-PCR technology to detect colorectal tumor-associated KRAS mutations that determine efficacy of recently developed therapies. These were detected in plasma samples in which the mutation levels were too low for detection by standard DNA analysis methodologies such as Sanger sequencing.
The samples were enriched by Transgenomic's COLD-PCR mutation enrichment technology before analysis with the SURVEYOR SCAN KRAS assay. COLD-PCR preferentially amplifies genomic DNA mutations in comparison to normal, wild-type sequences. This powerful enrichment and screening method can detect matched-tumor KRAS mutations in serum mutation levels at less than 0.1% of total wild-type DNA.
It was confirmed by the study's pharmaceutical partner that there was a 100% concordance between Transgenomic's mutation results and the matched tumor KRAS genotypes.
COLD-PCR was discovered in the laboratory of Dr. Mike Makrigiorgos at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. It has been exclusively licensed by Transgenomic for all Sanger Sequencing and mitochondrial DNA applications. Furthermore, it can be coupled with Transgenomic's proprietary DNA mutation detection technologies to further improve its sensitivity.
About Transgenomic, Inc.
Transgenomic, Inc. is a global biotechnology company specializing in high sensitivity genetic variation and mutation analysis, providing products and services in DNA mutation detection and discovery for clinical research, clinical molecular diagnostics and pharmacogenomics analyses. Its product offerings include the WAVE(R) Systems and associated consumables specifically designed for use in genetic variation detection and single- and double-strand DNA/RNA analysis and purification. With broad applicability to genetic research, over 1,450 systems have been shipped to customers in more than 30 countries. The SURVEYOR(R) Mutation Detection Kits and SURVEYOR Check-It Kit provide reagents and protocols for high sensitivity detection of mutations in DNA. In addition, HANABI automated chromosome harvesting systems improve laboratory productivity with consistent quality compared to manual methods for cytogenetic analyses. Service offerings include the Transgenomic Molecular Laboratory, which provides reference laboratory services specializing in molecular diagnostics including Mitochondrial Disorders, Oncology and Hematology, Molecular Pathology and Inherited Diseases. Transgenomic Pharmacogenomics Services is a CRO for pharmacogenomic, translational research and clinical trials.
CONTACT: Debra Schneider, Chief Financial Officer of Transgenomic, Inc.,
+1-402-452-5400, investorrelations@transgenomic.com
Web site: http://www.transgenomic.com/
