U.S. Genomics Expands Early Access Program with the Addition of Four Leading Research Laboratories
U.S. Genomics(TM) announced the placement of its Trilogy(TM) Single Molecule Analyzer at four leading scientific laboratories: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Human Genetic Research, the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Rockefeller University. The placements at these institutions are in collaboration with scientific thought leaders in various areas of life science research.
“These four laboratories exemplify leadership in scientific discovery,” said Stephen P. DeFalco, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Genomics. “We are pleased to work with such distinguished researchers at these institutions and look forward to the advances single molecule biology will bring to the study of human genetics and disease pathways.”
Traditional detection techniques rely on the amplification of a target molecule, an approach that increases assay cost and complexity and can undermine a researcher’s ability to quantitate accurately. By directly detecting and quantitating individual molecules of DNA, RNA, and proteins, the Trilogy platform allows researchers to screen samples rapidly, as well as to validate and characterize specific molecules. The platform combines advances in microfluidics, optical engineering, and novel labeling strategies to enable genetics, functional genomics, and diagnostics to be performed at the single molecule level.
Dr. Phil Sharp, Nobel laureate for RNA splicing and Professor at the MIT Center for Cancer Research, said, “We are currently examining how miRNAs contribute to fundamental cellular biology and essential molecular mechanisms. Classical research tools are sometimes tedious and often sacrifice experimental accuracy. The Trilogy technology uniquely counts individual molecules with lower biological sample requirements, which should allow our researchers to reliably quantitate assays in less time.”
According to Dr. Phillip Zamore, Professor with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, “As we study RNA silencing, a natural process by which cells turn off gene expression, we follow the fate of small RNAs in cells. Traditional technology only permits the study of average molecular activity. Our goal with the Trilogy instrument is to accurately quantitate the behavior of individual miRNA and siRNA molecules, rather than a population of molecules. We are excited to have this single molecule biology tool in our laboratory.”
U.S. Genomics has more than 30 scientific collaborations with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostic and academic research laboratories.
About U.S. Genomics
U.S. Genomics is pioneering single molecule biology tools for the global life sciences industry. The company provides instruments and reagents for researchers in academia, contract service organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as healthcare providers. Combining advances in microfluidics, optical engineering, and novel labeling strategies, U.S. Genomics’ innovative technologies allow genetics, functional genomics, biodefense, and diagnostics to be performed at the single molecule level. The Trilogy(TM) platform is the first commercially available technology to enable the direct detection and analysis of individual molecules of DNA, RNA, and proteins without the need for amplification. In addition, the company is developing the next generation of biodetection technology for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Genomics’ portfolio of products will further a greater understanding of human genetics and disease pathways and ultimately lead to more effective therapeutics and diagnostics. For more information, please visit www.usgenomics.com .
Trilogy and U.S. Genomics are trademarks of U.S. Genomics, Inc.
