MicroRNA Analysis Products measure 6,300 data points in 4 hr.
Press Release Summary:
FlexmiR microRNA products combine xMAP® and Locked Nucleic Acid(TM) (LNA) technology to analyze molecules that affect gene regulation. FlexmiR Human and FlexmiR Mouse/Rat panels provide ability to measure expression of microRNA sequences from public miRBase database. Detection of Biotinylated miRNA is achieved by reaction with Streptavidin-Phycoerythrin (SA-PE), and final read of samples in standard 96-well plate on Luminex analyzer.
Original Press Release:
Luminex and Exiqon Introduce MicroRNA Product Line
FlexmiR(TM) Provides Researchers Comprehensive MicroRNA Analysis With Unmatched Specificity and Efficiency, Providing More Than 6,300 Data Points in 4 Hours
AUSTIN, Texas and COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 18 // -- Luminex Corporation (NASDAQ:LMNX), a leading multiplex solution developer, and Exiqon A/S, a leading supplier of high-value gene expression analysis products, today announced the launch of FlexmiR, a new line of microRNA products that can provide more than 6,300 data points in just four hours. Developed by Exiqon A/S in collaboration with the Luminex Bioscience Group (LBG), FlexmiR combines Luminex's flexible xMAP(R) technology and Exiqon's Locked Nucleic Acid(TM) (LNA) technology to deliver more data in less time than other assays, best in class specificity and highly simplified workflow.
MicroRNAs are a class of regulatory ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules that affect gene regulation. Discovered less than a decade ago, microRNAs may regulate as much as one third of all genes in the genome and influence a wide range of biological activities and cellular processes. Scientists are finding that various diseases and conditions are associated with specific microRNA patterns, which may lead to the development of targeted treatments, such as gene therapy.
"MicroRNA research has great promise, and may be the backbone of many of the most cutting-edge medical therapies of tomorrow. Already microRNAs are of high interest to researchers engaged in the fights against a range of cancers, viral infections, and diseases such as diabetes," said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and chief executive officer of Luminex. "FlexmiR provides researchers with a comprehensive, yet simple and highly accurate means to profile microRNA. There are no other technologies available today that offer the same level of comprehensive analysis with the speed and specificity that FlexmiR provides. This is a very exciting development for Luminex, our partners and the scientists who will use FlexmiR."
The FlexmiR Human and FlexmiR Mouse/Rat panels give researchers the ability to measure the expression of microRNA sequences from the public miRBase database using total RNA samples without the need for RNA size fractionation or amplification. The general flow of the FlexmiR products allow researchers to biotinylate the 3' end of total RNA, followed by a hybridization step where the labeled miRNA hybridizes specifically to LNA capture probes coupled to xMAP microspheres. The detection of the biotinylated miRNA is achieved by the reaction with Streptavidin-Phycoerythrin (SA-PE) and final read of the samples in a standard 96-well plate on a Luminex analyzer.
Luminex created the LBG in 2005 in response to market demand for multiplexed solutions in emerging bio-assay applications. The group's goal is to identify key assay development opportunities and provide effective solutions to Luminex partners and customers. The LBG launched its first assay, a pneumococcal immunity panel, in October 2006.
"Exiqon has been engaged in the microRNA field for the past three years and is committed to provide the best microRNA research products for scientists," said Lars Kongsbak, president and chief executive officer of Exiqon. "With the FlexmiR product series our highly specific microRNA detection chemistries are available to users of the Luminex analyzers, which is an important strategic accomplishment for Exiqon."
About Exiqon
Exiqon is a leading supplier of high-value gene expression analysis products for the life sciences, research and drug discovery industries. Exiqon's rapidly growing product offerings integrate innovative chemistries with web-based software tools to help scientists achieve rapid and reliable results. Exiqon markets its products directly on www.exiqon.com or through distributors in the EU and Asia, as well as through its new, dedicated US sales force. Exiqon is located in the Medicon Valley area of Copenhagen, Denmark and in Boston, USA. Please visit our web-site at www.exiqon.com.
About Luminex
Luminex Corporation develops, manufactures and markets proprietary biological testing technologies with applications throughout the life sciences industry. The Company's xMAP(R) system is an open-architecture, multi-analyte technology platform that delivers fast, accurate and cost-effective bioassay results to markets as diverse as pharmaceutical drug discovery, clinical diagnostics and biomedical research, including the genomics and proteomics research markets. The Company's xMAP technology is sold worldwide and is already in use in leading research laboratories as well as major pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies. Luminex's xMAP technology received the 2005 Clinical Diagnostics Technology of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan. The Company was named in the 2005 Deloitte Fast 500 of fastest-growing technology companies. Further information on Luminex Corporation or xMAP can be obtained on the Internet at www.luminexcorp.com.
Exiqon Company Contact:
Dr. Lars Kongsbak
President & CEO
+45 45 65 04 50
lk@exiqon.com
Source: Luminex Corporation
Web site: www.luminexcorp.com/
http://www.exiqon.com/
