Contact Information: Contacts: Jessica Joung Seegene, Inc. 301-762-9066 or Constantine Theodoropulos Boston Communications 617-619-9801
Seegene Introduces Breakthrough DNA Test to Simultaneously Detect 18 Different Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs)
| Source: Seegene
ROCKVILLE, MD--(Marketwire - July 11, 2007) - Seegene today introduced its Seeplex® 18-plex
Genotyping Test, a novel diagnostic test capable of simultaneously
detecting 18 different Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) in a single test -- 13
high-risk strains (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68),
and five low-risk strains (6, 11, 42, 43 and 44). Seegene will be
showcasing the new Seeplex® 18-plex test at the 2007 AACC Annual Meeting &
Clinical Lab Expo in San Diego, July 15-19, at booth 4648.
The Seeplex® 18-plex Test is simply performed with one multiplex PCR in a
single tube and capillary electrophoresis for automated detection of HPVs.
The test uses Seegene's proprietary DPO™ (Dual Priming Oligo) primer
system, ensuring test reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity.
"Cervical cancer, caused by HPV, kills nearly 300,000 women annually
worldwide. It is well established that specific types of HPV cause most
cervical neoplasia and cancer and each type of high risk HPV initiate
different relative risks for cervical cancer. Therefore, to effectively
diagnose and treat HPV, clinical healthcare professionals need new tests
capable of detecting many HPV DNA and HPV DNA sub-types," said Jong-Yoon
Chun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seegene. "The Seeplex® 18-plex
HPV Genotyping Test is that new test, and it represents the highly advanced
of HPV DNA test by detecting 18 different HPV types accurately and
rapidly."
The Seeplex® 18-plex HPV Test is a breakthrough testing system that can
amplify only specific analytes without any cross reactivity and provides
automated test results using size analysis. In contrast, current HPV
diagnostics testing only provides "Yes/ No screening" and a high percentage
of cross-reactivity requiring repeat or additional testing to gain
confident results. Even though other HPV genotyping tests, such as Linear
Array HPV genotyping, are able to determine various HPV sub-types, they are
limited by their high cost and laborious, time-consuming steps not
conducive to an efficient and effective HPV screening regimen.
Jong-Yoon Chun, added, "The Seeplex® 18-plex HPV DNA Test establishes a new
standard for accurate, rapid and cost effective HPV diagnostic testing.
Next month, we will roll out other Seeplex®-based diagnostic tests
including a 40-plex HPV Genotyping, 23-plex Sexually Transmitted Diseases,
27-plex Respiratory Pathogens, 22-plex Mycobacteria, and 20-plex Blood
Screening for Sepsis. We believe that our Seeplex® testing system will open
a new window in molecular diagnostics by providing precise information of
infected pathogens at the earliest possible stage."
Seegene is currently exploring exclusive licensing partnerships for the new
Seeplex® HPV diagnostics test.
About Seegene
Seegene, Inc. is a biotechnology company specialized in molecular
diagnostics and research applications. It holds a novel detection platform
named "Seeplex®," which sets a standard in high-throughput and
simultaneous
multi-pathogen detection called "multiplexing" in the molecular diagnostics
market. Seeplex® technology accurately detects
multi-pathogens with high-throughput speed, ultimately providing the most
economical basis for saving time, labor and cost. Seegene develops,
manufactures and markets innovative molecular diagnostic products and
services to a worldwide community. The company has more than 47
distributors in 28 countries, including 2 subsidiary offices in the US and
India. Its mission is to maintain leadership in molecular diagnostics for
infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and oncology, and
chromosomal analyses using innovative proprietary technologies. For more
information please visit www.seegene.com or call +301-762-9066.