Press Release
RainDance Technologies Announces Shipment of RDT 1000, Sequence Enrichment Solution to TGen Researchers
LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A, June 10, 2009 – RainDance Technologies, Inc., today announced the shipment of an RDT 1000 and Sequence Enrichment Solution to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
RainDance is a provider of innovative microdroplet-based solutions for human health and disease research.
TGen, a nonprofit biomedical research institute based in Phoenix, Arizona, focuses on the translation of laboratory discoveries into personalized medicine, developing earlier diagnostics and better treatments for patients with many forms of cancer, neurological and cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases.
Dr. David Duggan, an Investigator in TGen’s Genetic Basis of Human Disease Division, said one of the initial applications of the RainDance solution would focus on resequencing regions of the human genome identified as part of genome-wide association studies.
“The RainDance technology has tremendous breadth. We are also discussing its use in candidate gene and pathways studies, as well as targeting known disease-causing genes,” Dr. Duggan said.
Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen’s President and Research Director, said the use of RainDance products should further improve the speed and quality of TGen’s cutting-edge scientific investigations.
“TGen should significantly reduce the time required to conduct experiments by exponentially accelerating multiple applications for genome-level partitioning, including the generation of large amounts of targeted resequencing data,” Dr. Trent said.
“TGen is a recognized leader in the application of next-generation sequencing technologies to translational medicine research,” said Christopher McNary, President and Chief Executive Officer of RainDance Technologies. “Our Sequence Enrichment Solution and RDT 1000 system will accelerate their ability to perform large-scale targeted resequencing studies that will help realize the exciting benefits of personalized medicine.”
The RainDance solution consists of the RDT 1000 instrument, consumables kits, and custom PCR primer libraries. The solution uses RainDance’s breakthrough RainStorm™ microdroplet-based technology platform.
The simplicity and speed of the technology are designed to maximize the efficiency of next-generation DNA sequencing workflows. The RDT 1000 generates picoliter-volume PCR reactions at the rate of 10 million discrete reactions per hour. High-speed sample processing is further enhanced by the fact that the Sequence Enrichment Solution uses a library of PCR primers in droplets enabling the amplification of hundreds to thousands of genomic loci in a single tube. The technology leverages the specificity of PCR to provide high breadth of coverage for the regions of interest.
The RainStorm format avoids the limitations of traditional multiplex hybridization and amplification technologies. RainDance’s solution minimizes process-induced bias or error and requires only a few micrograms of genomic DNA.
The commercial version of the Sequence Enrichment Solution is now being shipped in North America and will soon be delivered to the company’s first customer in Europe. For more information, contact info@raindancetech.com, call 781-861-6300, or visit the company’s Website at www.raindancetech.com.
About RainDance Technologies
RainDance Technologies is pioneering the use of high-throughput microdroplet-based analysis in human health and life science research. The company's core RainStorm™ technology generates millions of discrete droplets that can encapsulate a single molecule, cell or reaction and be digitally analyzed and sorted one at a time. The power, precision and simplicity of microdroplets enable researchers to answer complex questions with unprecedented sensitivity and quantitation. The complete RainDance solution includes automated instrumentation, customizable bioinformatics and high-value consumables and reagents for applications including targeted next-generation DNA sequencing, methylation, digital PCR and single cell analysis. Based in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company supports scientists around the world through its international sales and support operations and a global network of distributors and service providers. For more information, please visit www.RainDanceTech.com.
RainDance, RainStorm, ThunderStorm, Digital Biology are trademarks of RainDance Technologies, Inc. All other brands may be trademarks of their respective holders.
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. For more information, visit www.tgen.org.
For technical questions contact:
James Brayer
RainDance Technologies
44 Hartwell Avenue
Lexington, MA 02421
781-861-6300
info@raindancetech.com
For press inquiries:
Colin Sanford
203-340-2441
colin@bioscribe.com
