Bayer licenses nucleic acid technology from EraGen
Bayer uses AEGIS in its proprietary branched DNA (bDNA) technology for nucleic acid testing (NAT), including the Bayer HIV-1 RNA 3.0 Assay (bDNA), its viral load test for HIV. Bayer recently completed a Pre-Market Approval Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the test, which utilizes bDNA technology to measure viral load levels. When approved, the test will help physicians monitor patients infected with HIV-1.
"Our R&D group has demonstrated that AEGIS base pairs yield improvements across a broad spectrum of DNA assay technologies including enzyme-based amplification and detection methods," Gideon Shapiro, CEO of EraGen Biosciences, stated in a company release. "Currently, we are focusing on DNA chips and other high throughput applications where our technology will have a significant impact on enhancing accuracy and lowering costs."
EraGen Biosciences is a functional genomics company that licenses its bioinformatics, nucleic acid, and genotyping technologies for clinical diagnostic and life science research applications. Proprietary products include the high throughput SNP-CODE genotyping assay and the MasterCatalog bioinformatics platform with comprehensive gene family databases.
Bayer Diagnostics, part of the Bayer Group, offers a portfolio of central laboratory, self-testing, nucleic acid, point of care, and critical care diagnostics systems and services. The company's products are used in the assessment and management of health, including the areas of cardiovascular disease, oncology, virology, women's health, and diabetes.
For more information: EraGen Biosciences, 12085 Research Dr., Alachua, FL 32615. Tel: 904-462-2000.
Edited by Jim Pomager
Assistant Editor, Bioresearch Online
Source: EraGen Biosciences