17 October 2022 - - US-based life science reagent and instrument company Takara Bio USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Japan-based Takara Bio Inc., is partnering with US-based laboratory operator BioExcel Diagnostics to develop and validate a new high-throughput and comprehensive method for detecting syndromic-based infectious diseases.

The method employs real-time PCR automation technology and reagents from Takara Bio to detect viruses, bacteria, fungi, and antimicrobial resistance genes specific to the contributing pathogen.

Data generated allows clinicians to quickly determine the best route of treatment for their patients.

BioExcel Diagnostics has developed and validated infectious disease panels to detect a unique combination of targets for common diseases.

These infections include urinary tract infections, respiratory tract pathogens, sexually transmitted diseases, wound care, nail fungus, antibiotic resistance, and women's health (coming soon).

Together with Takara Bio USA, BioExcel Diagnostics has adapted these panels for use on Takara Bio's SmartChip Real-Time PCR System.

Integration of the infectious disease panels with this multiplexed nanoscale qPCR technology will enable BioExcel Diagnostics to offer results from high-accuracy, advanced laboratory tests within 24–48 hours.

The automated method uses the SmartChip real-time PCR instrument, chips, and reagents to run 5,184 reactions per chip in less than 30 minutes of direct hands-on time.

Each nanoliter-scale reaction reduces variability by eliminating the preamplification step and reduces costs because of decreased reagent volumes.

The trusted SmartChip Real-Time PCR System is already widely used for the detection of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance around the world and is ideally suited to address the challenges of infectious disease research.

Houston-based BioExcel Diagnostics is a full-service CLIA- and CAP-accredited high complexity laboratory specialized in molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics. BioExcel Diagnostics aims to develop and validate affordable yet highly accurate and clinically relevant testing solutions to mitigate inefficiencies in molecular diagnostic testing.

BioExcel Diagnostics has launched advanced infectious disease testing services using these adapted panels and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System.

Takara Bio USA will support the establishment of their research-use-only products to be used in combination with the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System for pathogen detection in research settings and to support clinician-led research in the development of clinical assays.

Takara Bio USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc. that manufactures and distributes kits, reagents, and instruments for the life sciences, including NGS, PCR, gene delivery, genome editing, stem cell research, nucleic acid and protein purification, and automated sample preparation.

Takara Bio Inc., a specialist in biotechnology research and development, offers a host of life science research solutions, from enzymes and GMP reagents to contracted cell and gene therapy manufacturing services, and is the developer of RetroNectin reagent, a world standard in gene therapy protocols.

BioExcel Diagnostics is a CAP-accredited high complexity laboratory specialized in molecular diagnostics and clinical genomics in Houston, Texas, and is owned and operated by molecular diagnosticians and clinical laboratory professionals.