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) 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.
SOURCE Cepheid
CONTACT: Thomas Gutshall, CEO & Chairman of Cepheid, +1-408-541-4191
or
gutshall@cepheid.com
or media
Yvonne Blaxter of Versaggi Biocommunications(R), +1-415-397-3087
or
yvonne@versaggibio.com for Cepheid
URL: cepheid.com
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