23 March 2018 - - Lexington, Massachusetts-based digital immunoassay platform developer Quanterix Corp. (NASDAQ: QTRX) has formed a collaboration with Scotland- and Spain-based DestiNA Genomics, a manufacturer of patented reagents for nucleic acid detection, the company said.
Both companies are pioneering microRNA detection and this collaboration brings together high-specificity and ultra-sensitivity for the first time, enhancing RNA biomarker detection.
The collaboration's initial efforts are focusing on the development of a nucleic acid assay for direct detection and quantification of the liver toxicity biomarker microRNA-122, which is shown to have earlier and more specific performance than current protein biomarker assays.
DestiNA's breakthrough proprietary 'Stabiltech' buffer allows the direct quantification of microRNAs to single base resolution without isolation from serum or plasma.
This proprietary capability also enables the shipment and storage of samples prior to analysis at room temperatures, eliminating the need for refrigeration, promising better work flows and more reliable results.
Quanterix is digitizing biomarker analysis to advance the science of precision health.
Its digital health solution, Simoa, give researchers the ability to closely examine the continuum from health to disease.
The technology, designed to enable earlier disease detection, better prognoses, and enhanced treatment methods, is currently being used for research applications in oncology, neurology, cardiology, inflammation, and infectious disease.
DestiNA Genomics develops novel reagents for PCR free, direct detection of microRNAs. Its unique proprietary chemistry enables rapid, reliable detection and quantification of microRNAs from body fluids. Its aim is to transform detection of microRNAs for research and clinical diagnostic uses.