Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
August 4, 2009
TwistDx, a developer of
point-of-use nucleic acid diagnostics, announced today that they
have made strong progress toward developing rapid, DNA-based
field tests with Monsanto
Company (NYSE:MON). Monsanto plans to use the tests to
enhance the efficiency with which biotechnology crops are
delivered across the globe.
To develop the tests, the companies are using TwistDx’s
proprietary Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA)
technology. RPA is a novel DNA amplification technology that
enables the tests to produce results faster than other DNA
detection tests available today, while maintaining a very high
level of specificity and sensitivity.
“This collaboration underscores the value of our RPA technology
for the development of tests that combine superiority in speed,
accuracy, and portability,” said Dr. Niall Armes, CEO, TwistDx.
“We believe RPA-based test systems represent an advanced
evolution of DNA diagnostics, because they are faster and more
accurate than other diagnostic testing systems now on the
market. Because our tests can be performed without the need for
trained technicians, we believe it will ultimately lead to
additional cutting-edge applications in medicine, biosecurity
and agriculture.”
Under the collaboration agreement, TwistDx received an
undisclosed upfront payment. Additional payments could come in
the form of research funding, payment upon reaching specific
development milestones, and royalties from net sales resulting
from commercialization of any test resulting from the
collaboration.
“This collaboration also demonstrates Monsanto’s continuous
effort to help bring innovative technologies to the
marketplace,” said David Fischhoff, technology strategy and
development lead for Monsanto. “TwistDx’s RPA technology
represents a step-change in our ability to accurately and
rapidly identify biotech products in field settings. Such tests
could enhance our ability to develop and support products that
help farmers increase yields by producing accurate results with
minimum delays.”
TwistDx, Ltd., based in Cambridge, UK, is a privately-held
diagnostic company that is developing novel tests based on
breakthrough DNA amplification technology. These tests retain
the highest possible levels of specificity and sensitivity,
while adding extraordinary speed and portability compared to
current DNA diagnostics in use. Ultimately the company believes
this new generation of tests will provide gold standard DNA
testing globally in point of care and field settings. TwistDx’s
revolutionary technology, Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
(RPA), is positioned to become the DNA-based diagnostic platform
of the future, with wide ranging applications in a number of
fields, including medical diagnostics, veterinary medicine,
industrial applications, agriculture, public health and
biosecurity and environmental sensing. More information about
TwistDx is available at
www.twistdx.co.uk. |
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