LexaGene’s MiQLab System Generates Leptospira Results in as Soon as 30 minutes using Isothermal Chemistry
24 August 2022 - 10:00PM
LexaGene Holdings, Inc., (OTCQB: LXXGF; TSX-V: LXG)
(“LexaGene” or the “Company”), an innovative, molecular diagnostics
company that has commercialized the MiQLab® System for automated,
genetic syndromic testing for veterinarians, announces it has
successfully configured the MiQLab System to use isothermal
chemistry for individual pathogen detection in as soon as 30
minutes, which complements our traditional real-time PCR chemistry
for syndromic testing that provides results in as soon as 80
minutes.
Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s Founder and CEO
stated, “Today, we are excited to announce that our innovative,
MiQLab System has the capabilities to use isothermal chemistry. The
System generates results on positive samples within the time frame
of a patient visit, empowering veterinarians to make evidence-based
decisions before the dog or cat leaves the clinic.”
He continued, “There is a role for both
isothermal testing and real-time PCR testing in clinical markets.
Isothermal testing is great for quickly determining if a pathogen
is present but may not provide information on the quantity of that
pathogen, which is important for some applications. In syndromic
applications where testing for more than 20 targets is required,
real-time PCR is the preferred chemistry as it is easily
multiplexed, quantitative and extremely sensitive. Due to the
different needs of veterinarians, there is value in having a
technology, like the MiQLab System, that can utilize both
chemistries. To our knowledge, the MiQLab System is the first fully
automated point-of-care system that can perform both chemistries
allowing the veterinarian the option of a multiplexed real-time PCR
test or a STAT isothermal Leptospira test or other pathogen tests
currently being developed at LexaGene.”
Dr. Nathan Walsh, LexaGene’s VP of Applications
and Bioinformatics, commented, “For isothermal testing, we first
developed a test for Leptospira (the cause of leptospirosis)
because it is in high demand from veterinarians. The CDC has
acknowledged that without proper diagnosis and treatment,
leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis
(inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord),
liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death. The MiQLab
System can now successfully detect Leptospira DNA in as little as
30 minutes when processing urine spiked with Leptospira genetic
material.”
Leptospira is common in dogs and is one of the
most difficult bacteria to culture. Growth is usually observed in 1
– 2 weeks but can take as much as three months.1 Additionally,
culture is problematic because it uses a rich media that allows
competing organisms to grow which hide the presence of Leptospira.
The MiQLab System has the capabilities to detect these troublesome
bacteria in as soon as 30 minutes without needing to culture.
LexaGene is working on additional validation and
software improvements before this test becomes commercially
available. We are evaluating the benefits of adding sample
preparation prior to processing both whole blood and urine
samples, as adding this step introduces a trade-off between
time-to-result and the sensitivity and robustness of the test. It
is possible these experiments will support adjusting the final
time-to-result for a commercial test looking for Leptospira in both
the blood and urine. At this time, we are aiming to have positive
results available in as soon as 30 minutes, whereas negative
results might not be available for 40+ minutes.
For more information about LexaGene and the MiQLab System,
please visit www.lexagene.com or follow us on Twitter or
LinkedIn.
About LexaGene Holdings
Inc. LexaGene
is a molecular diagnostics company that has commercialized the
MiQLab System for fast and easy detection of pathogens and other
molecular markers. The System is designed for on-site usage and
uses real-time PCR chemistry. Our customers include veterinary
hospitals and reference laboratories – as well as contract biologic
manufacturers. The MiQLab System delivers excellent sensitivity,
specificity, and breadth of detection.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way
passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither
approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider
(as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of
this release.
This news release contains forward-looking
information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially
from current expectation. Important factors -- including the
availability of funds, the results of financing efforts, the
success of technology development efforts, the cost to procure
critical parts, performance of the instrument, market acceptance of
the technology, regulatory acceptance, and licensing issues -- that
could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's
expectations as disclosed in the Company's documents filed from
time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the
extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise.
References
1
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/leptospirosis-epidemiology-microbiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis
Lexagene (TSXV:LXG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
Lexagene (TSXV:LXG)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024