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Isohelix, AutoGen Ink Deal to Integrate Saliva Collection Devices Into Automated DNA Extraction

NEW YORK — Sample prep firm Isohelix and nucleic acid extraction automation company AutoGen said on Wednesday that they have signed a collaboration and supply agreement.

Under the deal, the firms plan to integrate Harrietsham, UK-based Isohelix's portfolio of GeneFix saliva collection devices into AutoGen's FlexStar and FlexStar+ DNA extraction workflows.

The GeneFix devices are designed to stabilize saliva specimens at room temperature for DNA and RNA extraction. Under the terms of the deal, these products will now integrate directly into the FlexStar workflows, which are designed for the automated isolation of genomic DNA from large volumes of whole blood, buffy coats, saliva, cultured cells, and other samples.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In late 2020, Holliston, Massachusetts-based AutoGen launched its NeXtract 48 platform for rapid viral DNA and RNA extraction.

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