AutoGenomics Revolutionizes Gene Testing
August 25, 2003

By James Klein, Larta VOX Editor

One day we could all be testing our genes at home, checking ourselves for disorders and diseases with a gadget we bought at WalMart. In the meantime, genetic testing is performed in a laboratory using manual procedures and expensive technologies that are labor-intensive and time-consuming, leading to high costs for the companies that perform these analyses, and high prices for the consumers who need them.

One company, however, has introduced the healthcare industry's first automated, cost-effective approach to genetic testing. If there is an at-home gene-testing product coming soon, AutoGenomics will likely be the company to provide it.

AutoGenomics has streamlined and standardized the process used to detect cardiovascular disease, cancer, and a host of other genetic and infectious diseases. Their products could have a profound effect on diagnostic medicine throughout the world.

The ability of doctors to reveal the presence of genes that indicate certain diseases facilitates early treatment. Determining the presence of a disease based on an individual's genetic make-up rather than waiting for symptoms of the diseases to emerge leads to a proactive rather than a reactive medical diagnosis. As the cost of gene testing declines, more people throughout the world will have these early-detection screening services available to them.

AutoGenomics' INFINITITM System is able to go from "sample to test results" without manual intervention, providing significant workflow improvements and cost efficiencies. INFINITITM System integrates all the discrete processes of sample handling, reagent management, and hybridization in a totally self-contained, stand-alone system.

There is currently no uniform procedure for genetic testing. The majority of genetic analyses are performed using tests developed within each particular laboratory. Products available to assist genetic testing consist of multiple processing stations where each step must be performed manually.

The company's affordable solutions for genomic and proteomic analysis produce high-quality information at a significantly lower cost, and have widespread applications in healthcare, forensics, agriculture, and anywhere gene testing proves useful.

The genomic and proteomic testing market was estimated to be $2.1 billion in 2001 and is projected to grow to $9 billion by 2005. According to London-based Informa Pharmaceuticals, the molecular diagnostic segment of the market, which is AutoGenomics' initially focus, will grow 50% per year, from $1.1 billion in 2001 to $5.5 billion in 2005.

AutoGenomics was able to produce this breakthrough product through the integration of advanced technologies and proprietary innovations in microfluidics, array methodology, process automation, reagent management and software. BioFilmChipTM, the company's patent-pending thin film microarray technology, in conjunction with its QmaticTM operating software, allows users to simultaneously perform multiple testing methodologies while increasing laboratory productivity.

The "open architecture" design of QmaticTM enables multiple methodologies such as hybridization assay, primer extension assay, competitive and sandwich format immunoassays to perform Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), micro-satellite analysis, gene expression analysis and protein determinations.

The company can be contacted through Rocky Springstead, their representative at Fidelys, an investment banking and corporate advisory services company, at 213 765-4832 or rspringstead@fidelys.net.

Return to this week's issue of VOX >