WaferGen, NuGEN collaborate to develop integrated workflows for gene expression profiling and target enrichment

WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: WGBS), a leading developer of state-of-the-art genomic analysis systems, and NuGEN Technologies, Inc., a leader in innovative genomic samples preparation, today announced they will co-develop and co-market simple, seamlessly integrated workflows for gene expression profiling and target enrichment to enable researchers to more easily achieve high-throughput, high-density real-time PCR with small, degraded, and hard-to-replace clinical specimens, such as formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE).

Under the collaborative relationship, the two companies will conduct joint product development projects to construct validated workflows with both NuGEN's proprietary sample preparation and isothermal linear amplification (SPIA®) products and the WaferGen SmartChip Real-Time PCR System. The projects will focus on solutions for sample preparation, preamplification, and nucleic acid detection for gene expression and target enrichment from various sample types to drive speed and simplicity.

"By combining the expertise of both companies, we can offer a simple and straightforward workflow solution for single cell analysis, archival tissues and next generation sequencing addressing the needs of customers with precious nucleic acid samples who wish to perform high-throughput, high-density real-time PCR," said Alnoor Shivji, Chairman and CEO of WaferGen.  "This will expand the market potential of our SmartChip System by offering ready-to-go applications for biomarker discovery, validation and screening."

"NuGEN's unique sample preparation solution integrated with WaferGen's SmartChip System is clearly synergistic," said Elizabeth Hutt, CEO of NuGEN Technologies.  "NuGEN's expertise in solving the challenges associated with clinical samples, such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues or fine needle aspirates, will be leveraged in a simple workflow from sample to analysis expediting disease research and clinical applications."