IntegenX Wins DTRA Contract to Develop Pathogen Detection and Identification Platform

IntegenX has been awarded a contract by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to develop an Integrated Sample-to-Sequence (ISS) system for rapid detection and identification of genetically engineered bacteria and viruses, medically relevant bacteria and viruses, and emerging pathogens. IntegenX will be the prime contractor for a first phase of $2.8 million and a possible 22-month, $14.8 million contract.

IntegenX will use its Universal Sample Preparation Module, created under a previous DoD contract, to purify DNA from pathogen targets contained in complex matrices and present the purified material to an IntegenX library construction module, followed by an amplification module and a next-generation sequencing module. The company will apply its MOVe™ technology to integrate the complete workflow of the ISS system.

“Our experience in next-generation sequencing library preparation and making a sample-to-answer system for forensic human identity testing has uniquely positioned IntegenX to accomplish the requirements that DTRA has requested,” comments Ezra van Gelder, evp of R&D. “IntegenX technology integrates the processes to incorporate the complex steps into a complete and straightforward sample-to-sequence workflow.”

IntegenX, headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, designs, manufactures, and markets automated DNA- and RNA-based sample-preparation systems. The MOVe technology is a microfluidics platform that integrates advanced fluidics and analytical robotic capabilities to produce sample-to-answer performance for DNA and RNA sequencing, DNA-based forensics and human identity testing, biodefense, and molecular diagnostics applications. The company's first commercial platform, the Apollo 100™ System, is used to prepare DNA for sequencing.

IntegenX says that its next release will be the Apollo 324 system to resolve the fragmented workflows in next-generation sequencing library preparation. IntegenX has successfully tested a sample-to-answer platform for human DNA identification, slated for commercialization in 2011.