Exiqon A/S (NASDAQ OMX: EXQ), a leading supplier of high-value gene expression analysis products, today announced the launch of a microRNA qPCR Focus Panel for preclinical toxicology research.
The new Toxicology Focus microRNA PCR Panels allow scientists engaged in toxicology research to apply a panel of qPCR microRNA assays optimized for analysis of microRNAs present in biofluids such as plasma or urine. The Toxicology Focus microRNA PCR Panels are available for human, rat, monkey and dog and hold up to 88 qPCR and 8 control assays which have been experimentally optimized and validated to fit the needs of researchers interested in research of microRNAs released into various biofluids as a consequence of drug or stress induced toxicity. The 8 control assays which have been developed by Exiqon ensure that rigorous quality control of the samples is an integrated part of the process.
Recent research has documented the importance of microRNAs in biofluids as a potential mean to monitor injured tissue, as microRNAs released into biofluids are very stable and can be detected when using sensitive and accurate assays.
In a comment, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Henrik M. Pfundheller said: “Our pharmaceutical customers have asked us to develop a sensitive and accurate assay system that can be applied in human and various animals for preclinical research of biomarkers related to toxicity” and he added: “Exiqon participates in two international committees that coordinate the effort of developing assays to monitor toxicity of new drug candidates. With this new product we address an important unmet need in this market”.
The Toxicology Focus microRNA PCR Panels are based on the most sensitive microRNA qPCR platform available today with required sample input of as little as 1 pg of total RNA without any need for pre-amplification and thus avoiding risk of introducing bias in the generation of cDNA due to the unique universal RT step.
The Toxicology Focus microRNA PCR Panel is fully compatible with all other products in the miRCURY LNA™ Universal RT microRNA PCR system product line including the data analysis software. This means that the entire work process from sample to data can be completed in 3 hours.
Exiqon offers a complete range of PCR products for microRNA analysis, which includes ready-to-use panels for genome-wide screening of human, mouse and rat microRNAs, numerous focus panels, the fully flexible Pick & Mix panels, spike-in kits, as well as RT and Master Mix kits, sample preparation and a unique qPCR data analysis software. If the customers have identified proprietary microRNAs and would like to take advantage of Exiqon’s proprietary LNA™ chemistry and unique RT technology, Exiqon also offers an easy to use design software for high quality design of custom microRNA qPCR assays (http://www.exiqon.com/custom-PCR).
The miRCURY LNA™ microRNA PCR is also accessible via Exiqon Services.
Information on the new Toxicology Focus microRNA PCR Panel is available at Exiqon’s website: http://www.exiqon.com/toxicology-mirna-pcr
Additional information
Lars Kongsbak, CEO, tel. +45 4566 0888 (cell: +45 4090 2101)
Henrik M. Pfundheller, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, tel. +45 4565 0420
(cell: +45 4090 2106)
