New England Biolabs® releases next generation "warm-start" reverse transcriptase for nucleic acid detection

IPSWICH, Mass., Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- New England Biolabs (NEB®) announced today that they have released a novel, thermostable reverse transcriptase, WarmStart® RTx Reverse Transcriptase, specifically designed for nucleic acid detection.

Sir Richard Roberts, Chief Scientific Officer at NEB, commented on the announcement, "NEB has a 40-year history innovating in the field of molecular biology enzymes and related technologies.  WarmStart RTx is an in silico-engineered thermostable reverse transcriptase, designed by our researchers for speed, sensitivity and inhibitor resistance in reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), RT-PCR, and other applications where the detection of low-quantities of target RNA from complex sample matrices is critical."

WarmStart RTx is reversibly inhibited at room temperature, and is activated when warmed above 40 degrees C, enabling researchers to set up their reactions at room temperature with no background reverse transciptase activity. Maximum activity is reached at 55 degrees C, enabling high-temperature cDNA synthesis. This results in more consistent target detection across different RNA targets. WarmStart RTx Reverse Transcriptase builds upon NEB's portfolio of enzymes for nucleic acid detection, including Hot Start Taq DNA Polymerase, Q5® Hot Start High Fidelity DNA Polymerase, Bst 2.0 WarmStart DNA Polymerase and Antarctic Thermolabile UDG.

"We are excited to introduce the first commercially-available reverse transcriptase with a reversible WarmStart functionality.  Our novel approach enabled us to leapfrog the more incremental improvements that have previously been made to M-MuLV-based reverse transcriptases.  We look forward to the inclusion of WarmStart RTx in detection platforms and RNA assays that can impact human health, environmental and veterinary applications," continued Ted Davis, Director of Applications and Product Development at NEB.

About New England Biolabs
Established in the mid 1970's, New England Biolabs, Inc. is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, sample preparation for next generation sequencing, cellular analysis, epigenetics and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors, including molecular diagnostics development. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA, and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and seven subsidiaries located in Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visit www.neb.com.

NEB®, NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS®, Q5® and WARMSTART® are registered trademarks of New England Biolabs, Inc.

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SOURCE New England Biolabs

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