Nanosphere readies new detector, publishes paper

June 1, 2004 — Nanosphere Inc. plans to launch an automated version of its nanoparticle-based gene detection technology. The company also just published a paper demonstrating a more sensitive and flexible detection method.

The Northbrook, Ill.-based company intends to introduce the Verigene System in November. The system builds on the existing Verigene ID, launched last year as a tabletop analyzer for the research markets. The new system automates the entire testing process once a technician adds the target DNA and offers more user-friendly instrumentation and displays, the company said.

Nanosphere researchers also published findings Monday that appear in the July 2004 online issue of Nature Biotechnology that simplifies the identification of DNA, RNA and protein targets. Most other gene analysis devices use a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method of amplification, or making multiple copies of the genetic material to be tested.

The advancement comes in the sensitivity level of the approach, according to Vijaya Vasista, Nanosphere’s chief operating officer. She said the new technique can detect a small number of organisms, which could boost its flexibility for cost-sensitive applications in medicine and biowarfare detection.

“We’re in the late phase of really cool science, and the early phase of … making it a robust technology,” she said. “We can focus it on areas where we know there is market applicability.”

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