News | October 28, 2008

Spartan Bioscience Unveils the Spartan DX-12TM DNA Analyzer

Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced the unveiling of the prototype Spartan DX-12(TM) DNA analyzer. This new addition to the Spartan product line is a direct result of feedback provided by evaluation partners in molecular biology labs across the U.S. and Canada.

"The Spartan DX-12 is a 12 well DNA analyzer representing the culmination of features and capabilities that the DNA analysis market has said they want and need, " said Mark Kershey, VP Corporate Development, Spartan Bioscience. "The initial Spartan DX device was introduced to test the market and solicit feedback from lab scientists, the results of which were used in defining the specifications for the Spartan DX-12 device. The research community spoke, and Spartan listened."

Key operating features of the Spartan DX-12 include:

  • 12 wells
  • Both End-Point detection and Real-Time PCR capabilities
  • Quantitative analysis
  • Typical results within 30 minutes
  • Fully stand-alone and portable
  • Advanced and easy to use graphing and analysis software

"We are confident that we have created a fast, sensitive and robust unit with better accuracy and precision than larger DNA analyzers" says Dr. Chris Harder, lead scientist, Spartan Bioscience. "Our goal remains to positively affect public health by delivering quick DNA analyses with an instrument that is as easy to use as your cell phone."

DNA testing is the gold standard for a wide variety of fields, from clinical microbiology and virology, to veterinary, and food and water testing. With the Spartan DX-12, test facilities will be better able to provide "STAT" confirmatory testing of infectious pathogens.

Spartan will be unveiling an early prototype of the Spartan DX-12 DNA analyzer at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) meeting and exhibit October 29 - November 2, 2008 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. The company will be located in booth # 215, adjacent to partners TrimGen Corporation, booth # 217 and NorDiag, booth # 216.

Production of the Spartan DX-12 is scheduled to begin in Q1, 2009. Current customers can take advantage of the Spartan upgrade program to easily move up to the DX-12 from their current Spartan DX devices.

About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low-throughput research experiments and non-batched testing for infectious diseases.

SOURCE: Spartan Bioscience Inc.