News
06-December 2010
– LGC
partners with science leaders to develop rapid in-clinic STI
detection
kits
LGC heads up development of ultra-rapid detection system of
sexually transmitted infections using HyBeacons® technology
LGC scientists, in
collaboration with OptiGene and the University of Southampton, are using
LGC’s HyBeacons® technology* to develop an ultra-rapid sexually
transmitted infection (STI) detection system for clinics.
LGC, a leading international science-based company and
recognised leader in chemical and biological analytical services
and reference materials, is leading the project (known as Client -
Clinic-based Infection Examination through Nucleic acid
Technologies) which will receive substantial Technology Strategy
Board funding. This Technology Strategy Board initiative,
called Fighting Infection Through Detection, is aimed at developing
clinical equipment and an assay that can detect sexually
transmitted infections in under 15 minutes.
OptiGene, which is based in Horsham, West Sussex, will refine
and manufacture the desktop amplification device for rapidly
testing genetic markers for detection of STIs by the HyBeacon
technology. The company is now developing the device to create a
system for amplification that is faster than the standard
polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The device will have two-colour
detection but nonetheless uses simpler instrumentation.
Professor Tom Brown in the School of Chemistry, University of
Southampton, has worked with LGC to develop HyBeacons chemistry
and, in this programme, will produce a new generation of more
powerful fluorophore molecules to enable the HyBeacons probes to
detect trace targets with greater accuracy and speed.
The Chlamydia Research Group School of Medicine, University of
Southampton, works closely with the Health Protection Agency, based
at Southampton General Hospital. In the Client project, novel and
universally conserved sequences from sexually transmitted bacteria
will be used as a basis for developing the tests. This team will
also lead the collaboration in the design of the Client testing
kits.
Dr Paul Debenham, LGC’s Director of
Innovation & Development commented: “The goal of this project
is to achieve a significant step forward in the fight against
sexually transmitted infections. Simple, rapid testing, in the
order of a 15 minute turnaround, will result in a significant
step-change in the efficacy of STI treatment. LGC is extremely
excited about the possibilities of this new near-patient diagnostic
service”.
Michael Andreou, Director of OptiGene said: ““The prospect of
applying our open-platform technology to such a high-profile and
important area of clinical diagnostics is great news for everyone
connected with OptiGene. As well as the important commercial
advantages to the company that could result from this project, it
is extremely satisfying to know that there will be wider benefits
to the nation’s sexual health”.
Ian Clarke, Professor of Molecular Microbiology at Southampton
University added: “The combination of LGC and OptiGene together
with the University of Southampton is a unique industry – academic
partnership that brings together the critical components necessary
for the development of a novel, sensitive, accurate and extremely
rapid point of care test that will revolutionise STI
diagnostics”.
* HyBeacons® PCR probes are short fluorescently labelled DNA
sequences that can be designed to detect sections of DNA sequence
with a genetic variation. The central location of the fluorescent
molecule within the probe has considerable advantages over probes
that have signalling chemistry at the end of the DNA probe. LGC
developed HyBeacons probes in response to forensic and medical
requirements to identify key genetic differences between
individuals, or to distinguish micro-organisms. The probes have
unique characteristics that make them suitable for very rapid
diagnostic and point-of-care applications. HyBeacons assays have
been designed for use in medical genetic as well as infectious
diagnostic testing.
- Ends -
Notes to
editors