DxNA announces successfull evaluation of its GeneSTAT PCR system

Nov 19 2009

DxNA, a molecular diagnostics company headquartered in St. George, Utah, announced today that the DxNA GeneSTAT PCR system has successfully completed evaluation studies under the direction of a California laboratory supported by the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme in Food and Agriculture.

DxNA Chief Executive Officer Phillip Grimm acknowledged the importance of the collaboration with the FAO in the establishment of a portable and mobile diagnostic system that demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity characteristics, but is also affordable throughout the world.

"Our interaction with the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme to develop the GeneSTAT portable platform system has been instrumental in developing our technology," Grimm said. "Our original task was to develop a rapid, portable device to be made available to developing nations to combat avian influenza in animals and humans. We now look forward to taking this device into the field for use under harsh, real-world conditions. As part of our agreement with the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme, our next step in this regard is to work with animal health experts dealing with H5N1 in Southeast Asia. We will continue to work with the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme, with world governments and other worldwide health organizations to provide this mobile PCR system to rapidly and accurately detect diseases in humans, animals and plants through our expansion of our technology."

The GeneSTAT(R) platform includes a portable device that offers remote usage to rapidly detect pathogens where outbreaks are suspected. The user-friendly device can be used almost anywhere and by anyone for remote diagnostics. This opens detection screening to areas outside of traditional health care like gateway airports, at local health departments and schools, where on-site rapid and non-invasive screening for highly contagious pathogens is advised. The GeneSTAT(R) test module requires a simple swab of the mouth, nose or throat. The Company is developing a number of follow-on tests to detect pathogens that may affect people and agriculture. Of significant note is the submission of the GeneSTAT system and a test for H1 pandemic swine flu to the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization with expectation to receive confirmation for use under this submission in the immediate future.

Through its rapid, precise, on-site polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic testing capabilities, GeneSTAT technology facilitates the rapid detection of pathogens and viruses.

SOURCE DxNA