Pathogenica Discovers Exotic Viruses Using DNA Sequencing

April 12, 2012 - PRLog -- CAMBRIDGE, MA. – April 12, 2012 - Pathogenica, a pioneer in pathogen sequencing analysis, has announced the extension of a Cooperative Research Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). The CRADA is being extended based on USAMRIID’s success using Pathogenica’s platform to detect exotic viruses from environmental samples.  The extended agreement will further develop sequence-based detection technologies to discover new host biomarkers and biothreats at preclinical levels.  

Pathogenica has developed biothreat-specific assays based on data from USAMRIID. Pathogenica’s DxSeq™ integrated with Roche’s next-generation GS Junior Sequencing System was used to sequence exotic viruses in the first phase of the CRADA.  The combination of Pathogenica’s platform agnostic technology with any next-generation sequencing platform (including systems from Ion Torrent and Illumina) enables much faster and earlier detection of viral and bacterial pathogens; and the discovery of new, previously unidentified strains.

“We are pleased with the success of the collaboration and the effect our technology has had in such a critical application where the ability to quickly detect and genotype pathogens is key to tracking new viruses and bacteria before they become threats,” said Yemi Adesokan, founder and CEO of Pathogenica.  “Applying the technology more broadly to clinical patient health services will be transformational.”

About Pathogenica
Pathogenica combines the power of Cloud-based DNA sequencing analysis and next-generation DNA sequencing to revolutionize pathogen detection and enable real-time bio-surveillance. Its DxSeq™ platform offers new applications in health services through rapid multiplex identification of pathogens and drug resistance genes; providing personalized diagnosis for infectious diseases that allows for more effective diagnosis and treatment of patients. Pathogenica’s high throughput pathogen detection system performs rapid and highly sensitive detection of a wide variety of biomarkers using just a common assay protocol.  For more information, visit www.pathogenica.com.

About USAMRIID
USAMRIID's mission is to protect the warfighter from biological threats and to be prepared to investigate disease outbreaks or threats to public health. Research conducted at USAMRIID leads to medical solutions-vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, and information-that benefit both military personnel and civilians. The Institute plays a key role as the lead military medical research laboratory for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.

[The information contained in this press release does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government and no official endorsement should be inferred.]

Contact:  Matt Burke, mburke@pathogenica.com, US +1 603.315.0618