GAITHERSBURG, MD and SEOUL, KOREA, Jul 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Seegene Inc., (096530.KQ) has announced today that it will fully disclose its latest technology, quantitative Tagging Oligonucleotide Capture and Extension (qTOCE(TM)) at the 2012 American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) annual meeting, to be held in Los Angeles, from July 17-19. qTOCE(TM) is a technology that allows for the design and development of highly multiplexed quantitative assays that can be run on current real-time instrumentation.
Currently, real-time PCR is a stalwart for molecular assays and is considered a gold standard in clinical molecular diagnostics because of its versatility, speed and ease of use. However, few advances in real-time PCR chemistry have been made over the past 20 years despite the growing demand for assays that deliver both high multiplexity and quantification of targets. Furthermore, the performance of today's multiplex qPCR technology has been limited by real-time instrumentation that is rooted in a "one channel - one target" testing mentality -- a major obstacle to achieving high multiplex analysis with qPCR.
To overcome these limitations, Seegene has developed quantitative TOCE(TM) (qTOCE(TM)), an artificial template based detection technology that delivers real-time signal generation and allows for multiple melting temperature analysis per channel. qTOCE(TM) successfully turns conventional qPCR instruments into powerful systems for simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple targets in a single channel ("one channel - many targets"). qTOCE(TM) can expand the detection and quantitative capabilities of these qPCR instruments to differentiate as many as 7 targets per channel from a single sample, in a single reaction. The power, robustness and capabilities of qTOCE(TM) will enable multiplex assay development across a wide range of applications, including high-multiplex quantitative real-time PCR and highly selective mutational analysis, and become a powerful new tool for the development of real-time molecular assays.
"qTOCE is a breakthrough technology that enables a dynamic new approach to the design and development of molecular based assays," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, founder, CTO and CEO of Seegene. "qTOCE will help remove the many technical barriers to the development of new assays, moving molecular testing to the next level such as empowering systematic screening of patients as well as syndrome-based diagnostics. qTOCE will enable scientists to vastly expand testing parameters and create a new horizon for diagnostics with high clinical utility. This technology will allow for dramatic changes that facilitate better patient diagnostics, improved patient care, and reduced healthcare costs."
Commenting on the potential impact that qTOCE can have on patient care, the accomplished clinical expert on multiplex diagnostics and its impact on patient treatment outcomes, Dr. Mi-Kyung Lee, Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chung-Ang University College of Medicine in Seoul, Korea, said, "Accurate results on both the amount and the number of different pathogens present is required for diagnosis, prognosis and future prediction of disease severity. Seegene's new qTOCE technology has the potential for more comprehensive and actionable diagnosis."
Confirming the effectiveness and utility of qTOCE(TM), Seegene is introducing several new molecular tests based on the new technology:
QuantPlex(TM) RV-16 Assay: The first real time molecular assay that detects, differentiates and quantifies of 21 respiratory viral pathogens associated with upper respiratory disease.
QuantPlex(TM) HPV28 Genotyping Assay: The first real-time molecular assay for the detection, genotyping and quantification of 19 high-risk and 9 low-risk genotypes of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV).
Quantplex(TM) MTB/MDR/XDR Detection Assay: The first real-time molecular assay that detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and resistance mutations associated with multiple drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains of M. tuberculosis.
Quantplex(TM) STI-7 Assay: The first real time molecular assay that detects, differentiates and quantifies 7 sexually transmitted pathogens in real-time.
Dr. Chun added, "Due to the multiple powerful benefits that qTOCE offers, and the benefits that the technology provides to patients, we want to make the technology widely available to the marketplace through qTOCE licensing and OEM opportunities, as well as through Seegene products. We strongly believe that qTOCE has the ability to re-invigorate the business of traditional diagnostic companies, allowing for a paradigm shift in the design, development and utilization of molecular diagnostic assays."
To learn more about qTOCE(TM) and meet with Seegene, please send an inquiry to idealway@seegene.com.
Or visit the Seegene Booth (#523) at AACC in Los Angeles July 17 - 19th, 2012.
About Seegene Seegene is the world's leading developer of multiplex molecular technologies and multiplex clinical molecular diagnostics (M-MoDx). Seegene's core enabling technologies -- ACP(TM), DPO(TM), READ, and qTOCE(TM) -- are the foundation for M-MoDx tests that can simultaneously detect, differentiate and quantitate 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.