This section has been corrected to more accurately describe Osmetech's eSensor XT-8 System
CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics this week launched CA1000, the third version of its Constitutional Array Genetic Test for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. The new test uses the company's bacterial artificial chromosome array, and includes more than 200 new, validated probes obtained through the company's partnerships with the Center for Applied Genomics in Toronto and the Erasmus University Medical Center in the Netherlands, CMDX said.
The CA1000 improves upon the previous CA850 chip used by CMDX by its increased coverage of genomic loci found in disease hotspots, enhancing the test's ability to detect and characterize common genetic disorders. The array also contains greater background genomic coverage, enabling the broader detection of spurious chromosomal abnormalities, the firm said.
Osmetech this week introduced the eSensor XT-8 System and assay for 2C9/VKOR testing.
The XT-8 is a next-generation instrument with an advanced user-friendly touch-screen interface and a true random-access microarray system.
The first assay on the XT-8 system allows users to test for the CYP450 2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphisms, both of which are involved in metabolism of warfarin.
Osmetech previously received FDA clearance for its eSensor Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Detection System in January 2006.
According to Osmetech, the firm expects to submit the XT-8 platform and assay to the US Food and Drug Administration for clearance by the end of this year.
BioDiscovery last week launched NEXUS CGH, a software tool for the analysis of array CGH-based data from multi-array experiments supporting any platform, including homebrew arrays.
NEXUS CGH is designed to support large-scale array CGH-based experiments involving hundreds of samples and its interface allows the researcher to quickly identify potential regions of significant copy number changes in various biological categories such as different grades of tumors and extract a gene list for the smallest region of overlap in the sample set, BioDiscovery said.
NEXUS CGH is currently only available through BioDiscovery's early adopter program and runs on OS X, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
Asper Biotech this month began offering genetic testing on its OPA1 Chip, which the firm claims can analyze 118 genetic variations within the OPA1 gene thought to have an association with autosomal dominant optic atrophy.
According to Asper, the chip was designed in collaboration with researchers at Cardiff University’s School of Optometry & Vision Sciences in the UK.
Aperio Technologies this week launched TMALab II, the second installment of the firm’s web-based digital pathology information management system, built specifically for researchers who use tissue microarrays.
TMALab II software enables researchers to analyze and manage hundreds of small tissue samples simultaneously to facilitate biomarker validation or discovering and dissecting molecular pathways. The software also permits multi-user access and server-based image analysis, allowing numerous remote pathologists to collaborate on large TMA projects, Aperio said.
TMALab II software enables researchers to analyze and manage hundreds of small tissue samples simultaneously to facilitate biomarker validation or discovering and dissecting molecular pathways. The software also permits multi-user access and server-based image analysis, allowing numerous remote pathologists to collaborate on large TMA projects, Aperio said.