SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10 Biomatrica, Inc. and QIAGEN announce the launch of QIAGEN's new QIAsafe DNA Blood Products, the first dry blood storage available on a matrix based on Biomatrica's innovative SampleMatrix(R) technology.
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The QIAsafe DNA Blood Products add to QIAGEN's portfolio of solutions for the biological sample management chain. Biomatrica's SampleMatrix technology significantly simplifies transport and storage of blood samples at room temperature by forming protective seals around DNA.
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"With the increasing energy and environmental cost associated with cold storage of biological samples, it is critical for biobanks, research institutions and biotechnology companies to identify alternative storage solutions," said Judy Muller-Cohn, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Biomatrica. "The SampleMatrix technology employed in the QIAsafe DNA Blood Tubes and Plates allow for safe, long term preservation of DNA in blood samples at room temperature. Recovery of the sample is by simple hydration, followed by purification of DNA for use in downstream applications."
The current standard for storage of biological samples is either at minus 20 degrees C or minus 80 degrees C. It is costly for biobanks to not only keep these samples cold, but also to house the refrigerators and freezers in their laboratories. New methods are being sought to allow storage at room temperature, thus reducing costs as well as being environmentally friendly, but also maintaining high integrity and yield of DNA. QIAGEN launched QIAsafe DNA Blood to provide easy transport and storage of whole blood at room temperature and high yield of DNA extracted from the sample.
"This is a unique product for researchers in molecular diagnostics, biomedical research and Pharma that rely on biobanking," said Marie McCluskey, global product manager at QIAGEN. "Traditional room temperature storage of blood samples via paper methods can result in relatively low yields of DNA. The QIAsafe DNA Blood products allow for storage of blood samples on a matrix, which results in significantly higher yields when compared to conventional long-term room temperature storage methods."
QIAsafe DNA Blood is the result of an established strategic partnership between the two companies entered into in May 2007. The agreement provides QIAGEN with the rights to marketing and distribution of QIAsafe DNA and QIAsafe DNA Blood products manufactured by Biomatrica using the SampleMatrix room temperature DNA storage technology.
SampleMatrix is based on extremophile biology in which organisms are able to survive long-term in a state of anhydrobiosis (life without water) and later be revived by rehydration. Extremophiles such as tardigrades, also known as water bears, and brine shrimp are able to protect their DNA, RNA, proteins, membranes and cellular systems in a dried state for extended periods of time. Biomatrica's technology mimics the natural molecular mechanisms used by these organisms. The technology works by forming a thermo-stable barrier during the drying process to protect samples from degradation during storage at room temperature.
About Biomatrica(R), Inc.
Biomatrica (www.biomatrica.com) is a San Diego-based biostability company that provides innovative technologies for stabilizing, processing, storing and shipping biological samples at room temperature. The core technology is designed for use in preserving complex biological samples and assays and is based on the principles of anhydrobiosis ("life without water"), a natural mechanism that allows multicellular organisms to survive extreme environments. Biomatrica's current products stabilize DNA and RNA with no sample degradation, thus labs can reduce their reliance on freezers and drastically reduce shipping costs. Biomatrica products are used in laboratories performing life science research, from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to academic research and forensics laboratories. Custom services to stabilize additional sample types are also available. Biomatrica also offers SampleWare(R) software, an easy-to-use, customizable laboratory management database that provides scientists with the means to store and organize their sample data, and directly supports samples stabilized by Biomatrica technology. For more information about the SampleMatrix technology and the Biomatrica products utilizing this technology platform (DNAstable(R) for DNA, RNAstable(R) for RNA and CloneStable(R) for bacterial DNA), visit: www.biomatrica.com.
About QIAGEN
QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands holding company, is the leading global provider of sample and assay technologies. Sample technologies are used to isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from biological samples such as blood or tissue. Assay technologies are used to make such isolated biomolecules visible. QIAGEN has developed and markets more than 500 consumable products as well as automated solutions for such consumables. The company provides its products to molecular diagnostics laboratories, academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and applied testing customers for purposes such as forensics, animal or food testing and pharmaceutical process control. QIAGEN's assay technologies include one of the broadest panels of molecular diagnostic tests available worldwide. This panel includes the digene HPV Test, which is regarded as the "gold standard" in testing for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. QIAGEN employs more than 3,200 people in over 30 locations worldwide. Further information about QIAGEN can be found at http://www.qiagen.com/.
Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including statements about QIAGEN's products, markets, strategy and operating results. Such statements are based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, those associated with: management of growth and international operations (including currency fluctuations and logistics), variability of operating results, commercial development of markets (including applied testing, clinical and academic research, proteomics, women's health/HPV testing and molecular diagnostics), relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, competition, changes in technology, fluctuations in demand, regulatory requirements, identifying, developing and producing integrated products differentiated from competitors' products, market acceptance of products, and integration of acquired technologies and businesses. For further information, refer to QIAGEN's filings with the SEC, including its latest Form 20-F. Information in this release is as of the date of the release, and QIAGEN undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.
Contact: Heidi Chokeir, Ph.D. Nicole A. York Russo Partners QIAGEN, Inc. (619) 528-2217 (240) 686-7660 [email protected] [email protected]
SOURCE Biomatrica
