WaferGen Launches SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser to Enable Significant Speed and Cost Advantages for Biomarker Validation Using Gene Expression and Genotyping
Can load up to 384 samples on a single SmartChip with 5,184 nanowells, offering the highest number of samples that can be run on a single nano-chip
FREMONT, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: WGBS), a leading developer of state-of-the-art genetic analysis systems, today announced that it has launched its SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser to enable significant speed and cost advantages for biomarker validation using gene expression and genotyping. The new SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser, which is part of the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, can load up to 384 samples or sample replicates on a single SmartChip with its 5,184 nanowells, offering the highest number of samples that can be run on a nano-chip.
"The time and cost advantages provided by the WaferGen SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser combined with the other components of the SmartChip System can potentially shorten the drug development process and simultaneously enable more comprehensive biomarker discovery and validation – key ingredients to the advancement of targeted medicine," said Alnoor Shivji, Chairman and CEO, WaferGen. "By offering both discovery and validation functions on the same platform, the SmartChip platform is designed to shorten drug development time by removing bottlenecks created from switching from one to another technology. Further, the SmartChip platform is designed to meet the high-throughput needs of biopharma companies' clinical trials."
The SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser is part of WaferGen's SmartChip Real-Time PCR System, and also includes the SmartChip Cycler and the SmartChip that contains 5,184 nanowells preloaded with primer content optimized for performance with the SmartChip System. Both the SmartChip Nanodispenser and the SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser can be used to dispense samples and master mix onto the SmartChip offering customers the flexibility to analyze many genes or many samples. The dispensed chip is placed into the SmartChip Cycler and subjected to Real-Time PCR and amplicon melting analyses. Data in the form of threshold cycles and melting temperatures are downloaded and analyzed.
The SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System are currently available to early-access customers with general availability in the second half of 2010 when the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System is targeted for commercialization.
About WaferGen and the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System
WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. is a leader in the development, manufacture and sale of state of- the-art systems for genetic analysis for the life science and pharmaceutical industries. The company offers its new innovative fee-based service for gene-expression profiling while continuing to actively develop its SmartChip Real-Time PCR System that is designed as the first whole genome, high-throughput Real-Time PCR platform. Combined with next-generation chemistry and optimized assays being developed by WaferGen under the guidance of David Gelfand, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and one of the pioneers of PCR, this innovative system promises to deliver significant speed and cost advantages to researchers in the gene expression and genotyping markets.
Based on collaborations established with leading research institutions, WaferGen believes that the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System is positioned as the platform of choice for biomarker discovery and validation. The system will provide a number of key ease-of-use features including content-ready chips with gene panels optimized for microRNA, cancer, and whole genome. WaferGen believes the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System will be the first platform to combine the high-throughput capability and cost efficiencies of existing microarrays, with the sensitivity and accuracy of real-time PCR.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements". Such statements include statements relating to the expected benefits and advantages of the SmartChip Multi-Sample Dispenser, the expected benefits and advantages of the SmartChip service for gene-expression research, the expected benefits and advantages of the SmartChip technology to other applications, the expected throughput levels of the SmartChip Real-Time PCR System and other statements relating to future events or to the company's future financial performance and are not historical facts, including statements which may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential" or similar words.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the company. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations contained in the forward-looking statements.
Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that: (i) the company may be unsuccessful in commercially developing its products or in achieving market acceptance of new and relatively unproven technologies; (ii) the company will need to raise additional capital to meet its business requirements in the future and the company may not be able to do so on reasonable terms or at all; (iii) the company's proprietary intellectual property rights may not adequately protect its products and technologies; and (iv) the company expects intense competition in its target markets, including from companies that have much greater resources than the company, and there can be no assurance that the company will be able to compete effectively. More detailed information about the company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Investors and security holders are urged to read this document free of charge on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. The company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact: |
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WaferGen |
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Mona Chadha |
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510-651-4450 |
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SOURCE WaferGen Biosystems, Inc.
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