NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics today announced it has signed an agreement to advance QuantuMDx's DNA sequencing nanowire biosensor to the point of commercialization.
QMDx, based in the UK, is developing a handheld all-in-one DNA sequencer, which is currently in prototype. The collaboration leverages Singapore-based A*STAR's silicon-based nanowire technology to develop technology for the simultaneous detection of large numbers of difference cells and biomaterials.
QMDx licensed the nanowire-based technology to develop biosensors from Nanosys in 2009.
The combination of the two firms' capabilities, A*STAR said in a statement, "will soon deliver affordable, rapid, and accurate clinical targeted DNA sequencing at the point of need."
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Our collaboration with IME is of immense importance to QMDx," its CEO Elaine Warburton, added. "Not only will our partnership enable both parties to utilize our respective expertise to further develop and commercialize on-chip DNA sequencing but it also represents a major milestone for QMDx as we embark on setting up operations in Singapore to benefit from the country’s wealth of biotech expertise and state-of-the-art manufacturing and fabrication facilities."