Key features of the SURVEYOR Scan Kits include: (1) Detection of all known and unknown mutations in the amplicon of interest (2) Inclusion of control templates for common mutation sites (3) High analytic sensitivity, enabling the detection of a 1% mutant population in a background of wild-type genomic DNA, which would typically be missed by sequencing and other techniques (4) Simple interpretation - the SURVEYOR fragment analysis pattern can aid in identifying the position of the mutation without the additional cost of full sequencing (5) Convenient parallel processing facilitated by a single set of PCR conditions and analysis protocols for all kits and (6) Successful application to DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues.
SURVEYOR Scan technology is a patented method for mutation detection that uses a PCR amplification reaction and hybridization to form mis-paired DNA molecules between normal and mutant sequences which are then cleaved using SURVEYOR Nuclease and detected on a chromatogram. Our newly developed SURVEYOR Scan BRAF and PIK3CA kits will further strengthen our portfolio."Ībout the SURVEYOR Nuclease and WAVE® HS DHPLC Platform By combining our proprietary technologies and leveraging their unique properties for high sensitivity mutation detection, Transgenomic will advance its leading position in high sensitivity genetic analysis. "We intend to transition our cutting edge research and development into commercial service laboratory assays as well as research-use-only and regulatory approved diagnostic kits. "Transgenomic has a strong track record in developing powerful mutation detection methods as our recent announcement on Ice COLD-PCR and BLOCker-Sequencing testifies," commented Craig Tuttle, Transgenomic's Chief Executive Officer. In the near future, Transgenomic expects to release CE IVD versions of the BRAF and PIK3CA kits for the European diagnostics market and plans to expand the SURVEYOR Scan product line with mutation detection kits for other key cancer pathway genes that can be used with WAVE HS, automated microfluidics platforms and even manually-a unique feature of Transgenomic's technology. The SURVEYOR Scan BRAF and PIK3CA kits empower robust, sensitive screening in research and diagnostic labs." Unlike assays that are allele-specific, requiring labs to run a separate assay for every possible mutation, the SURVEYOR Scan kits will detect all mutations in the amplified gene targets at levels as low as 1% in a background of non-mutated DNA. "There is a need to have sensitive, reliable, quick and easy to use assays to test tumors for mutations in these genes.
"An increasing number of studies of the BRAF and PIK3CA genes have indicated that key mutations in these genes can confer resistance to EGFR inhibitors such as cetuximab (Erbitux®), gefitinib (IRESSA®), erlotinib (Tarceva®) and to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib (Gleevec®)," said Dr Katherine Richardson, VP of Research & Development at Transgenomic. Mutations in all three genes ( K-RAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA) are widely accepted to be correlated with a lack of response to the class of lung and colorectal cancer drugs that are inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). These new kits complement the company's existing kits for detecting mutations in K-RAS, expanding Transgenomic's range of its proprietary SURVEYOR Scan mutation detection kit product line. (OTC/BB: TBIO) announced today that it has launched kits for high sensitivity mutational analysis of the BRAF and PIK3CA genes. OMAHA, Neb., Ap/PRNewswire/ - Transgenomic, Inc.