Sygnis Pharma's flagship product, Qualiphi, gets US patent
Singapore: Sygnis Pharma has been granted a patent by the US patent and trademark office (US PTO) for its flagship product, Qualiphi, which is a polymerase that can be used for complete DNA amplification. Polymerase proteins are the main tool for amplifying long DNA fragments and whole genomes, and are a basic need for research involving the analysis and modification of DNA.
Qualiphi is an upgraded version of the Phi 29 DNA polymerase used in isothermal amplification, which provides enhanced properties compared to similar polymerase proteins on the market. Being less time-consuming and having highly superior performance characteristics, the method developed by Sygnis enables DNA amplification from concentrations as low as those found in a single cell. This is extremely useful in cancer research, and many other applications.
Mr Pilar de la Huerta, CEO, Sygnis, "Certainly, the need for amplification of nucleic acids from minimal concentrations as present in single cell applications will be a critical issue in the coming era of personalised medicine and NGS. We expect Qualiphi to become an essential tool for the DNA amplification needed in these markets."
There has been a significant growth in the field of DNA amplifications. The market of whole genome amplification with polymerase proteins is also expected to grow at over 20 percent per annum over the next few years. In 2012, Sygnis granted an exclusive global licence to Qiagen, including sublicensing rights, for the commercialization of Qualiphi in the DNA amplification market.
