Xtrana, Inc.

Xtrana foundation and culture is rooted in the vision that the powerful potential of nucleic acid detection can be made more practical, less complicated, and less expensive. In 1995, Dr. John Gerdes and Dr. Diane Kozwich envisioned a unique new approach to DNA analysis, the Self Contained Integrated Particle (SCIP) cartridge. This approach enables DNA testing methods to be applied in industries and for applications where there is obvious demand for more sensitive and efficient testing but where the DNA approach previously was impractical. Inventing solutions to address the roadblocks of practical use of nucleic acid detection, proving their feasibility, and rapidly commercializing applications is the mission of Xtrana.

The feasibility of the SCIP strategy was proven prior to the formation of Xtrana and was supported by $2 million in government grants and contracts. We assembled a talented staff with proven ability to tackle problems with innovative approaches. This is perhaps best reflected in the fact that an additional $2.4 million in grant and contract funding has been obtained to further commercialize specific food, water, environmental, clinical, and defense applications. During the coarse of SCIP research we discovered a unique material, XtraBind™ that has tremendous potential on its own for commercial applications for DNA capture and purification. The company name Xtrana reflects this because it was derived from combining "Xtra" to reflect the solid phase extraction/capture systems and "na" for nucleic acid detection platforms.

In 1998, John Wheeler was hired as CEO. With over 28 years experience in the biotechnology business, he has been instrumental in the rapid progress the company has made implementing a business plan and rapidly transforming Xtrana from a research company to a commercial product company. In 1999, XtraAmp™, a high throughput DNA extraction product was released.