This article was originally published on Aug. 3.
IntegenX and Promega said today that IntegenX's forthcoming RapidHit 200 human identification system will include Promega's nucleic acid purification and short tandem repeat amplification reagents under a reagent supply agreement between the companies.
Under the agreement, financial terms of which were not disclosed, Promega's purification and STR reagents will be packaged with the RapidHit 200's disposable cartridges, designed to automate all DNA sample-processing steps required to generate DNA profiles.
By integrating Promega's reagents, the RapidHit 200 will be able to produce DNA profiles compatible with local, national, and international database systems, including the US National DNA Index System, the UK National DNA Database, and Local DNA Index System used by local law enforcement agencies, the companies said.
IntegenX, based in Pleasanton, Calif., develops instruments, reagents, and systems for automating DNA and RNA sample prep. The company's core technology, called microscale on-chip valves, or MOVe, is used to automate and miniaturize complex chemistries through pneumatics, enabling the company to integrate various laboratory workflows into complete sample-to-answer systems.
The company's RapidHit 200 is a self-contained, automated system for human DNA identification in the field. The system is designed to deliver results from buccal swabs, blood, objects, and other human tissue samples in less than two hours.
In June, IntegenX said that it had begun an early-access program for the RapidHit 200, and named UK-based Key Forensics Services as the first partner under the program. The company also said that it plans to fully commercially launch the platform in early 2012 (PCR Insider, 6/23/11).
The platform is "a highly automated and specialized integration of our STR amplification chemistry," Bill Linton, chairman and CEO of Promega, said this week in a statement. "The supply agreement with IntegenX gives law enforcement agencies and other organizations the choice to adopt powerful DNA-based human identification technology without adding the specialized infrastructure that's usually required for a DNA lab."