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DNA Genotek, Harvard Ink Deal for Microbiome Collection Devices

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – DNA Genotek announced today that its line of Omnigene microbiome collection devices will be used by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health for the self-collection of microbial samples for inclusion in the Biobank for Microbiome Research in Massachusetts (BIOM-Mass). 

BIOM-Mass — established last year by Harvard in partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital — aims to collect, use, and analyze microbiome-based biospecimens in human populations, and provide access to its data and resources to the life sciences community.

As part of this effort, the biobank is collecting samples from more than 25,000 individuals participating in the Harvard-led Nurses’ Health Study II — which is investigating risk factors for chronic diseases in women — as well as other long-running studies. According to DNA Genotek, researchers in these studies will use the company's Omnigene devices to help catalog microbiome profiles across multiple body sites from study participants.

The Omnigene line currently includes devices for the collection and stabilization of DNA in feces/stool, saliva and tongue/gum tissue, and vaginal samples.

DNA Genotek will also provide BIOM-Mass with collection kit customization, fulfillment, and logistics services through its GenoFind service.

Additional terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

DNA Genotek and its parent firm OraSure Technologies have signed deals to provide their sample collection devices to a number of organizations, including WeGene, Helix, and 23andMe.

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