- Oragene ® ●Dx saliva collection kits to provide reliable DNA samples for Helix -
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Nov. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR ), a leader in point of care diagnostic tests and specimen collection devices, announced today that Helix, the personal genomics company, has selected the Oragene ® ● Dx device to provide reliable self-collection of DNA samples to be used in a genetic information discovery service offered by Helix for consumers. OraSure’s wholly-owned subsidiary, DNA Genotek, will supply the Oragene ® ● Dx device and will also provide kit fulfillment and logistics services for Helix through its GenoFIND offering.
Helix provides a secure and affordable means for consumers to access data and information about their DNA, through uniquely personalized applications created by Helix partners. The Oragene ® ● Dx collector will be used to collect saliva samples from consumers and those samples will be sequenced in Helix’s lab. Customers will then be able to access DNA-powered insights in products and experiences created by Helix partners—including well-known clinical and consumer brands—in the areas of health, fitness, genealogy, family planning, lifestyle, and nutrition.
“Reliable and easy-to-use sample collection is a key part of our offering. The ability to collect a high quality DNA sample for next generation sequencing is critical to ensuring accurate results for our customers,” said Dr. James Lu, Co-founder & Senior Vice President of Applied Genomics at Helix. “DNA Genotek is a leader in its field, and we are excited to work with them to bring customers an efficient experience right from the start.”
"We are pleased that Helix has selected both our saliva collection kits and GenoFIND services to support their offering. Their vision and approach to empowering every person to improve their life through DNA is truly innovative and we are excited that Oragene ® ● Dx will be an integral part of the Helix customer experience,” said Brian Smith, Senior Vice President and General Manager at DNA Genotek.
Oragene ® ● Dx is an all-in-one system for the easy self-collection and stabilization of DNA from saliva. The device allows for ambient temperature storage and transportation and provides a liquid sample to enable high throughput automated processing in a laboratory. Oragene ® ● Dx is the first and only DNA collection and stabilization device to receive 510(k) clearance in the USA. GenoFIND offers a complete suite of genomics and microbiome services from study design through bioinformatics analysis and interpretation.
Oragene ® ●Dx is FDA 510(k) cleared for in vitro diagnostic use with the eSensor ® Warfarin Sensitivity Saliva Test.
About DNA Genotek
DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR ), focuses on providing high-quality biological sample collection products and end-to-end services for human genomics, microbiome and infectious disease applications. The Company's Oragene ® •Dx and ORAcollect ® •Dx product lines are the first and only FDA 510(k) cleared saliva-based DNA collection devices for in vitro diagnostic use. DNA Genotek also offers Research Use Only products to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA or RNA from multiple sample types. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has a global customer base with thousands of customers in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com .
About OraSure Technologies
OraSure Technologies is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of point of care diagnostic and collection devices and other technologies designed to detect or diagnose critical medical conditions. Its first-to-market, innovative products include rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to HIV and HCV on the OraQuick® platform, oral fluid sample collection, stabilization and preparation products for molecular diagnostic applications, and oral fluid laboratory tests for detecting various drugs of abuse. OraSure's portfolio of products is sold globally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations and other public health organizations, research and academic institutions, distributors, government agencies, physicians' offices, commercial and industrial entities and consumers. The Company's products enable healthcare providers to deliver critical information to patients, empowering them to make decisions to improve and protect their health. For more information on OraSure Technologies, please visit www.orasure.com .
Ronald H. Spair Chief Financial Officer 610-882-1820 Investorinfo@orasure.com Ron Ticho SVP, Corporate Communications 484-353-1575 media@orasure.com
