Singapore, July 12, 2007: US-based Seegene, a biotechnology company founded by a Korean entrepreneur, has introduced its Seeplex 18-plex Genotyping Test, a novel diagnostic test capable of simultaneously detecting 18 different Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) in a single test — 13 high-risk strains (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68), and five low-risk strains (6, 11, 42, 43 and 44).

 

The Seeplex 18-plex Test is performed with one multiplex PCR in a single tube and capillary electrophoresis for automated detection of HPVs. The test uses Seegene’s proprietary DPO (Dual Priming Oligo) primer system, ensuring test reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity.

 

The release noted that this test is a breakthrough testing system that can amplify only specific analytes without any cross reactivity and provides automated test results using size analysis. In contrast, current HPV diagnostics testing only provides ‘Yes/No screening’ and a high percentage of cross-reactivity requiring repeat or additional testing to gain confident results. Even though other HPV genotyping tests, such as Linear Array HPV genotyping, are able to determine various HPV sub-types, they are limited by their high cost and laborious, time-consuming steps not conducive to an efficient and effective HPV screening regimen.

 

Mr Jong-Yoon Chun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seegene said, “Cervical cancer, caused by HPV, kills nearly 300,000 women annually worldwide. It is well established that specific types of HPV cause most cervical neoplasia and cancer and each type of high-risk HPV initiate different relative risks for cervical cancer. Therefore, to effectively diagnose and treat HPV, clinical healthcare professionals need new tests capable of detecting many HPV DNA and HPV DNA sub-types. The Seeplex 18-plex HPV Genotyping Test is that new test, and it represents the highly advanced of HPV DNA test by detecting 18 different HPV types accurately and rapidly.”

 

Mr Jong-Yoon Chun, added, “The Seeplex 18-plex HPV DNA Test establishes a new standard for accurate, rapid and cost effective HPV diagnostic testing. Next month, we will roll out other Seeplex-based diagnostic tests including a 40-plex HPV Genotyping, 23-plex Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 27-plex Respiratory Pathogens, 22-plex Mycobacteria, and 20-plex Blood Screening for Sepsis. We believe that our Seeplex testing system will open a new window in molecular diagnostics by providing precise information of infected pathogens at the earliest possible stage.”

 

Seegene is currently exploring exclusive licensing partnerships for the new Seeplex HPV diagnostics test.