Novel technology developed by QIAGEN halves time required for
real-time PCR
QuantiFast enables new advances in research and diagnostics
Venlo, The Netherlands, January 23, 2007 --- QIAGEN, the worldwide
leading provider of sample and assay technologies for life sciences,
applied testing and molecular diagnostics, today announced the launch
of its new QuantiFast product line. These products leverage a novel,
proprietary technology which allow significantly reduced processing
times of real-time PCR and are suited for use on all real-time
instruments.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a one of the most widely used
and important technologies in modern molecular biology, which allows
the detection of genetic targets in samples. Real-time PCR expands
the information available in PCR assays by providing online,
real-time quantification of the target genetic material.
QuantiFast technology is based on Fast Cycling PCR, a technology
breakthrough that QIAGEN announced in October 2006. QIAGEN is now
introducing this proprietary technology to real time PCR through the
launch of the QuantiFast product line. QuantiFast kits allow
customers to reduce the duration to 40-60 minutes. Users can save
more than 50% of the time previously needed, without compromising the
market-leading sensitivity and reproducibility for which QIAGEN's
assay technologies are recognized.
The significant increase in speed is achieved through innovative new
PCR assay technology additives, which substantially reduce the
cycling time. The kits are compatible with all commercially available
real-time PCR instruments, known as thermocyclers, and with existing
PCR assays. They can be used with these without requiring complex
adaptations (such as new primer design or optimization of PCR
protocols). The QuantiFast Kits enable higher sample throughput using
existing laboratory apparatus or established real-time PCR systems.
This avoids the need for expensive purchases of faster PCR
instruments.
"The unique QuantiFast Kits broaden QIAGEN's already leading
portfolio of assay technologies for research, applied testing and
molecular diagnostics and are further evidence of QIAGEN's technology
leadership", says Dr. Janina Lehmann, Global Business Director Gene
Expression at QIAGEN. "The innovative QuantiFast Kits enable users to
more than double their throughput without compromising quality, cost
and assay design. These advantages allow our customers fast and
immediate access to a new dimension of possibilities in real-time
PCR."
The QuantiFast Kits can be used for screenings in applied testing, to
speed up drug development in the pharmaceutical industry, and also to
deliver reliable diagnostic results more rapidly in acute epidemics
as a component of a self validated test system. QuantiFast Kits and
the QIAGEN Fast Cycling PCR Kit are intended for research purposes
only. The products are not intended to provide information for
diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease.
About PCR
The polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, is today considered one of the
most widely used technologies in molecular biology. Invented by Kary
Mullis in 1983, he received a Nobel Prize for his discoveries in
1993. Today, PCR is the most frequently used technique in many areas
of basic and applied research in molecular biology, biochemistry, and
medicine, and is used in many applications, including detection and
quantification of DNA and RNA targets in research, applied testing
and molecular diagnostics.
PCR is a method for amplification of specific nucleic acid sequences
from a complex mixture of nucleic acids. The DNA in a sample is
separated into single strands through heating, and each strand acts
as a template for enzymatic extension of the missing complementary
strand. The beginning and end of the amplified segment are defined
through the addition of short, highly specific DNA molecules, known
as primers. This replication cycle is repeated many times, leading to
exponential amplification of individual segments of DNA.
In real-time PCR, a specific sequence of DNA is amplified and
quantified. The amplified sequence binds to a fluorescence which is
measured. This allows calculation of the original amount of the
sequence. Real-time PCR takes place in a real-time thermal cycler,
which provides the appropriate temperatures for the different steps
of each amplification cycle and also measures fluorescence.
About QIAGEN
QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands holding company, is the leading provider
of innovative sample and assay technologies and products. The
products are considered standards in areas such as pre-analytical
sample preparation and molecular diagnostics solutions. QIAGEN has
developed a comprehensive portfolio of more than 500 proprietary,
consumable products and automated solutions for sample collection,
nucleic acid and protein handling, separation, and purification and
open and target specific assays. The company's products are sold to
academic research markets, to leading pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies, to applied testing customers (such as in
forensics, veterinary, biodefense and industrial applications) as
well as to molecular diagnostics laboratories.
QIAGEN employs more than 1,900 people worldwide. QIAGEN products are
sold through a dedicated sales force and a global network of
distributors in more than 40 countries. Further information about
QIAGEN can be found at www.qiagen.com.
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Contacts / Website:
Dr. Thomas Theuringer
Manager Public Relations
QIAGEN GmbH
+ 49 (0) 2103-29-11826
email: thomas.theuringer@qiagen.com
Dr. Janina Lehmann
Global Business Director Gene Expression
QIAGEN GmbH
+ 49 (0) 2103-29-16410
email: janina.lehmann@qiagen.com
Website: www.qiagen.com/FastPCR
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