BEVERLY, Mass., April 30, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LexaGene Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: LXXGF; TSX-V: LXG) (the “Company”), a biotechnology company that develops genetic analyzers for pathogen detection and other molecular markers, announced today that its LX analyzer successfully detects Botrytis cinerea, also known as Gray Mold, which is a common agricultural pathogen responsible for $10 to $100 billion in agricultural losses worldwide each year.*** This fungus infects over 200 plant species causing the most yield loss in strawberries, grapes and cannabis.
For this study, LexaGene’s scientists used the LX analyzer technology to process vegetable washes from strawberries that were suspected of premature decay due to a plant pathogen as well as wash from strawberries that appeared healthy. The LX analyzer generated very clear and conclusive results for the detection of Botrytis in the prematurely decaying strawberries but none in the healthy strawberries.
Dr. James Marsden, former advisor to the White House, Director of Food Safety at Chipotle Mexican Grills, and member of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board states, “One of LexaGene’s value propositions is that its technology will give food producers the ability to screen their crops for pathogens that may wipe out the entire farm, as well as screen the finished food products for human pathogens that could lead to expensive recalls and irreparable brand damage. This innovative LX technology will have a big impact on the industry by providing a complete testing solution to food producers, rather than addressing just half of their concerns.”
A key element to having extremely sensitive PCR-based technology is to be able to access the genetic material inside pathogens, many of which have very strong cell walls, particularly fungi. These strong cell walls need to be broken down in order to get to the DNA inside. Proving that the LX analyzer can easily detect fungal DNA is a testament to the robustness of its DNA extraction chemistry.
Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s CEO and Founder comments, “In conversations with prospective customers, some have asked whether LexaGene’s technology can detect both human and plant pathogens, to which the answer is ‘yes’. Previously, we reported successful detection of human foodborne pathogens such as E. coli and Staphylococcus, and here we are reporting that the LX analyzer can also detect plant pathogens. Data from this fungal study further indicate that the LX technology will offer best-in-class sensitivity for detecting rare pathogens. Exceptional sensitivity is important, as early detection will allow farmers to potentially avoid millions of dollars in crop losses due to Botrytis and other plant pathogens."
*Food Safety Testing Market
**Agricultural Testing Market
*** Gray Mold Market; Lynne Boddy, in The Fungi (Third Edition), 2016
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About LexaGene Holdings Inc.
LexaGene is a biotechnology company developing the very first fully automated pathogen detection platform that is open-access. The open-access feature will empower end-users to target any pathogen of interest, as they can load their own real-time PCR assays onto the instrument for customized pathogen detection. End-users simply need to collect a sample, load it onto the instrument with a sample preparation cartridge, and press ‘go’. The instrument is expected to offer excellent sensitivity, specificity, and breadth of pathogen detection. The instrument will be able to process multiple samples at a time, in an on-demand fashion, returning results in about 1 hour. The company expects to sell its technology in the veterinary diagnostics market, food safety market, and more.
Media Contacts
Nicole Ridgedale
Director of Corporate Marketing, LexaGene
800.215.1824 ext 206
nridgedale@lexagene.com
Investor Relations
Jay Adelaar
Vice President of Capital Markets, LexaGene
800.215.1824 ext 207
jadelaar@lexagene.com
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This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts, the success of technology development efforts, the cost to procure critical parts, performance of the instrument, market acceptance of the technology, regulatory acceptance, and licensing issues -- that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations as disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.