GAITHERSBURG, Md., Feb. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OpGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPGN ) today announced preliminary data demonstrating the ability to rapidly and accurately predict bacterial antibiotic susceptibility using resistance gene profiles. The data were presented at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT) meeting, which is taking place from February 13-16, 2017 in Hollywood Beach, FL. These preliminary results support OpGen’s ongoing genomic and bioinformatics efforts to complete development and commercialization of rapid and highly accurate molecular antibiotic susceptibility determination products for hospital- and network-wide infection prevention and patient management.
“These data highlight the unique ability of our rapid testing approach in development to considerably reduce the time necessary to acquire predicted resistance results compared to traditional antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST). The presented data suggest this rapid testing approach predicts bacterial antibiotic resistance using an algorithm based on minimum inhibitory concentration values with the average positive predictive values greater than 90% for six Gram-negative species commonly known to harbor resistance genes ( E. coli , E. cloacae , E. aerogenes , A. baumannii , K. pneumoniae and P.aeruginosa) . By identifying and using accurate gene profiles, we anticipate that actionable results can be generated within hours instead of days,” said Evan Jones, Chairman and CEO of OpGen.
The poster titled: “Development of a Rapid Molecular Antibiotic Susceptibility Test,” was presented by Terry Walker, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research & Development. Key findings from the presentation include:
- Combined experimental results were used to develop statistical models for predicting phenotypic resistance for several antibiotics based on detection of resistance for several antibiotics based on detection of resistance genes.
- Genotypic algorithms predicted phenotypic resistance with average positive predictive values ranging from 92% to 97%.
- Average sensitivities for each species ranged from 78% to 98% while average specificity ranged from 74% to 91%.
“These preliminary results illustrate our ability to develop algorithms that can leverage resistance gene profiles to predict phenotypic resistance accurately,” said Dr. Walker. “These initial data are very encouraging. We anticipate further improvements in test performance as we complete our planned genomic and phenotypic testing of approximately 10,000 multi-drug resistant organisms in the coming months.”
About OpGen OpGen, Inc. is harnessing the power of informatics and genomic analysis to provide complete solutions for patient, hospital and network-wide infection prevention and treatment. Learn more at www.opgen.com and follow OpGen on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes statements relating to the company's rapid testing product in development. These statements and other statements regarding our future plans and goals constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict, are beyond our control, and which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. Factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully, timely and cost-effectively develop, seek and obtain regulatory approval for and commercialize our mAST™ product in development, the rate of adoption of our products and services by hospitals and other healthcare providers, and other economic and competitive factors. For a discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties associated with OpGen's business, please review our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on our expectations as of the date of this press release and speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
OpGen Contact: Michael Farmer Director, Marketing 240-813-1284 mfarmer@opgen.com InvestorRelations@opgen.com OpGen Investor and Media Contact: MacDougall Biomedical Communications Cammy Duong 781-591-3443 cduong@macbiocom.com
