CPHD news:
Cepheid Delivers GeneXpert(TM) to USAMRIID
U.S. Army Research Unit Receives Prototype of First Instrument to Provide 'Walk-Away' DNA Testing
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec 17, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cepheid (Nasdaq: CPHD chart, msgs) today announced that it has delivered the first prototype of its GeneXpert(TM) DNA detection system to the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) at Ft. Detrick, Maryland. Developed in part with Department of Defense (DOD) funding, the GeneXpert system is the first PCR-based instrument to fully automate all of the steps required for DNA detection -- sample preparation, amplification and detection. Utilizing Cepheid's patented technologies, the system will enable minimally trained operators to obtain a DNA result, from a raw sample in under 30 minutes when and where needed.
"The completion of this phase of the GeneXpert program marks the realization of a joint strategic vision with the U.S. Army dating back to 1996," said USAMRIID Col. Erik A. Henchal, Chief, Diagnostic Systems. "Providing 'walk-away' testing, the GeneXpert system will greatly simplify DNA testing in a way that no other instrument has been able to achieve. By performing all the preparation and analysis in a single, closed cartridge, this system will improve our ability to rapidly detect, not only bioterrorism agents, but other infectious organisms as well."
The GeneXpert DNA-detection technology utilizes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method for amplifying a target DNA sequence to sufficient levels for detection. Cepheid is the only company to have developed a PCR-based instrument that integrates and automates all the DNA detection and analysis steps within a preloaded, test-specific cartridge. Cepheid's GeneXpert system is slated for commercial availability in the clinical diagnostics market in 2003.
Tom Gutshall, CEO and chairman said, "The delivery of a GeneXpert working prototype to USAMRIID represents a major milestone for Cepheid. We are now in a position to develop specific test applications for the GeneXpert with our key collaborators in clinical diagnostics, agriculture, and food and beverage quality testing. Making time-critical pathogen detection a reality, the GeneXpert will put fast, highly accurate, and user-friendly DNA testing into the hands of physicians, quality control technicians and other specialists for the very first time."
Kurt Petersen, Ph.D., Cepheid's COO and president, added, "Achieving this milestone is a testimony to the dedication and commitment of our Cepheid team. Coupled with our emerging reagent technology, the GeneXpert platform will be a strong, competitive entry into the DNA testing market."
Cepheid, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of miniaturized, fully integrated instrument systems for rapid, on-site detection of DNA -- the universal biological identifier. Founded in 1996, the company is commercializing its technology and products for scientific, medical and industrial applications requiring time-critical detection of human and other genes, infectious disease agents, and industrial and environmental contaminants at the point of need.
Sold directly and through its global partners, its Smart Cycler(R) family of products provides researchers with quantitative DNA analysis in real time, simultaneously supporting multiple users and protocols on a single instrument with results in less than 30 minutes. Cepheid's next-generation GeneXpert(TM) system will provide the first automated integration of all the steps required to detect DNA from complex biological specimens-sample preparation, amplification and detection. Cepheid, Smart Cycler and GeneXpert are registered trademarks of Cepheid. See www.cepheid.com for more information.
USAMRIID is the lead medical laboratory for the U.S. Army Biological Defense research program, and plays a key role in national defense and in infectious disease research. The Institute's mission is to develop medical countermeasures, specifically vaccines, drugs and diagnostics, to protect U.S. service members from biological warfare agents and endemic infectious diseases. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command |
