Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg (IBBL) will purchase a WaferGen SmartChip Real-Time PCR system to provide genomic analysis services for its research programs and to other groups in Europe. WaferGen says that it will establish its European headquarters at the IBBL facilities in the very near future.
The two organizations will also co-develop molecular signatures for filing and approval in Europe for diagnostic research and commercial applications, based on the planned International Organization for Standardization status of IBBL.
“IBBL requires an analytical product that is quantitative, reproducible, and provides high sample throughput at a reasonable cost,” says Robert A. Phillips, M.D., CEO, IBBL. “With the SmartChip system’s ability to run hundreds of samples or thousands of genes on a single chip, we can perform signature validation in just two hours, which means faster cycle times and reduced costs.”
The SmartChip Real-Time PCR system comprises 5,184-well consumable chips preloaded with target-specific primers, a single-sample or multisample nanodispenser for dispensing samples and master mix onto a SmartChip panel under vacuum conditions, and the SmartChip cycler, which performs PCR thermal cycling, data collection, and amplicon melting.