OneTRAC combines gene-expression analysis platform with microarray technology.

Plexpress and Phalanx Biotech Group are combining their respective TRAC™ gene-expression analysis, and OneArray® gene-expression microarray platforms to offer clients the OneTRAC Gene Expression service for integrated genetic biomarker discovery, selection, validation, and analysis. The service will be offered by Plexpress in Europe, and by Phalanx Biotech in the U.S. and Asia.

“By combining the coverage breadth of OneArray microarrays and the high-throughput multiplex capabilities of TRAC, OneTRAC offers an integrated approach toward identifying, selecting, and validating a robust set of gene-expression signatures,” states Viven Mak, Ph.D., Phalanx president. “Whether it’s ADME-Tox biomarkers or drug-response gene sets for preclinical and clinical development, OneTRAC is fully capable of addressing the diverse needs of genomic scientists.”

Finnish firm Plexpress was established as a spinout from the Finnish Technology Research Center VTT in 2007. The firm’s flagship TRAC (Transcript Analysis with the aid of Affinity Capture) technology for high-content gene expression analysis measures mRNA directly from cell lysate using magnetic bead capture and capillary electrophoresis, without the need for mRNA extraction or PCR amplification. Plexpress claims the technology is fully compatible with existing laboratory equipment, and effectively enables multiplex detection of gene transcripts (up to 30–60 genes per well in 96-well plates) simultaneously from a large number of samples.

Last month the firm raised up to $2.3 million in a funding round with new and existing investors to support commercialization of the TRAC platform for applications including companion diagnostics and ADMET studies. Also in May Plexpress announced separate collaborations with CROs Admescope and SBW centered on offering its human cytochrome P450 preclinical ADME-Tox services. 

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