LGC's DNA probe technology licensed by Osmetech for rapid genetic testing in molecular diagnostic markets

15-Dec-2004

LGC's HyBeacons chemistry combines with Osmetech's Genedrive platform to create powerful product offering for hospital testing in-house.

LGC, Europe's leading independent analytical laboratory providing advanced chemical, biochemical and forensic analysis, has signed an exclusive agreement for licensing its DNA probe technology (HyBeacons®) with Osmetech plc in medical genetic test applications for inherited genetic traits in all world markets, excluding India.

HyBeacons have unique characteristics that make them suitable for very rapid diagnostic and point-of-care applications. Osmetech, the international diagnostics business, will use the HyBeacon technology with its Genedrive molecular diagnostics instrument and other platforms. Osmetech has been working closely with LGC for approximately one year, during which time scientific proof of principle has been established demonstrating the excellent compatibility of HyBeacon tests with the Genedrive.

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Although the majority of molecular diagnostic testing is currently performed in batches in larger hospitals and laboratories, the growth in molecular diagnostics is expected to be most evident in small to medium sized hospitals now looking to perform much of this testing in-house. This is the setting in which it is envisaged that the Genedrive-HyBeacon device will be targeted.

James White, Chief Executive, Osmetech plc said: "We are delighted to be working with LGC and its HyBeacon technology, which will provide us with the chemistry for our instrument platform. The Genedrive uses well understood and widely adopted PCR-based technology to produce a simple, cost-effective and rapid test with the key performance characteristics of the fast growing molecular diagnostics market. Osmetech's OPTI business already has the operational structure, distributor network and customer base necessary to exploit these exciting growth opportunities."

Discussions for LGC to grant similar licences for the detection of infectious human pathogens and diagnosis of human sexually transmitted diseases are also at an advanced stage with Osmetech. A recent study of clinical samples has been completed at the medical microbiology department of the Royal Free Hospital in London to evaluate the HyBeacon chlamydia detection assay run on the Genedrive instrument. Although this study was not optimised or performed under FDA clinical trial guidelines, the results exhibited a high degree of accuracy in comparison with other widely practised nucleic acid amplification tests.

Dr Paul Debenham, LGC's Director of Life Sciences, said: "LGC continues to advance its genetic test HyBeacon technology, developed with DTI support under the LINK Analytical Biotechnology programme, across the spectrum of applications for which rapid point-of-care testing is in demand. We are excited to see HyBeacons being put into use by Osmetech for this first licence in medical diagnostic applications. We are looking forward to its ongoing development and our collaboration with Osmetech in identifying new testing capabilities."

LGC was advised on the licence agreement by its in-house legal team and by John Wilkinson and Shirley McCulloch of international law firm, Bird & Bird. Mark Lubbock and Jonathan Lewin of international law firm, Ashurst, advised Osmetech.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/41709/lgc-s-dna-probe-technology-licensed-by-osmetech-for-rapid-genetic-testing-in-molecular-diagnostic-markets.html