Article Excerpt:
TWST: Is there a way for you to describe in layman's terms your second- generation technology?Mr. Ludvigson: The second-generation technology, which we refer to as the NC400, is an improvement to the original electronic microarray technology that includes features and functionality better suited for the clinical laboratory. The NC400 is an automated, computer-driven, highly sensitive instrument that allows for the detailed examination of a patient sample for the presence of specific genetic sequences, such as variations or mutations in DNA or the presence of foreign DNA like a virus. And it can look for multiple genetic variations or sequences in one sample at the same time. Once you detect the variations in the sample, you can then diagnose the associated patient condition.
TWST: Have other companies developed parallel or similar technologies? If so, in
what way is your technology superior to theirs?
Mr. Ludvigson: Our NC400 is unique. There are other solutions in the marketplace
for molecular diagnostics, some offering highly complex multiplex testing. Our
system though, is differentiated in a couple of ways. First of all, it is the
only microarray specifically designed for the ways in which clinical
laboratories operate. Multiple samples can be run simultaneously, and cartridges
used for one application can be stored for future use. The cartridges constitute
an open system, which allows customers to develop their own applications, and we
have many instances of customers doing this in a cost effective and fast
approach. The platform is also highly automated and fits very nicely into
laboratory workflow, freeing laboratory workers from the need to monitor and
interact with the instrument during the testing cycle. The final differentiation
is the accuracy of the system in using electronic and chemistry-based control
mechanisms. We are able to detect, with great accuracy, mutations in genetic
sequences.
Tickers included in this excerpt: NGEN
TWST Newsletter
For more information call (212) 952 7433. The Wall Street Transcript does not endorse any of the comments made by interviewees, and does not make stock recommendations.