News
Spartan Bioscience Announces First Point-of-Care DNA Testing System for Personalized Medicine
Spartan RX CYP2C19 designed to help cardiologists determine most effective anti-blood clotting drug and dosage at the onset of heart attacks
OTTAWA, ON, August 10, 2010 - Spartan Bioscience Inc., a privately held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA testing systems for on-demand applications, today announced the availability of the Spartan RX, the first complete sample-to-result, point-of-care DNA testing system for personalized medicine. The non-invasive and easy-to-use system provides automated results in one hour, enabling physicians to tailor treatments based on a patient’s genotype faster than ever before.
Spartan RX CYP2C19
The first available test, Spartan RX CYP2C19, was designed to help cardiologists identify patients who have a gene mutation that causes impaired metabolism to the popular anti-blood clotting medication Plavix® (clopidogrel), which may lead to major adverse cardiac events. The CYP2C19*2 mutation is found in up to 30 percent of the world’s population.1 These gene carriers who receive the standard dose of Plavix following a cardiac stent insertion to open clogged arteries have an 11.7 percent absolute risk of death, stroke, or heart attack in the first year compared to 8.3 percent for non-carriers.2 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for Plavix in March 2010. The genotype results provided by the Spartan RX CYP2C19 test will help determine the most effective anti-blood clotting drug and dosage at the onset of heart attacks. For more information about the Spartan RX CYP2C19, please visit: http://www.spartanbio.com/products/spartan-rx/.
“Currently, genetic testing for Plavix non-response is performed in central labs and it takes one to seven days to get a test result back. This is often too late because most of the complications for CYP2C19*2 carriers occur in the first 24 to 48 hours,”3 said Derek So, M.D., staff cardiologist, University of Ottawa Heart Institute. “As a one-hour point-of-care test, the Spartan RX CYP2C19 has the potential to significantly reduce major cardiac events in heart attack patients.”
“The long-term trend for DNA testing is to move from the central lab to point-of-care,” said Paul Lem, M.D., founder of Spartan Bioscience. “Spartan has turned this prediction into reality by creating a fully integrated DNA collection, extraction and analysis platform, and adding an intuitive interface that can be operated by nurses and other non-technical users.”
The Spartan RX System and Spartan RX CYP2C19 test are currently available for investigational testing. At the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Dr. So is using the testing system to run the RAPID GENE study, a prospective randomized clinical trial, which will determine if alternative anti-blood clotting therapy with Effient® (prasugrel) for CYP2C19*2 carriers reduces major adverse cardiovascular events. The Heart Institute is Canada’s largest and foremost cardiovascular health center. Spartan Bioscience plans on using the results from the clinical trial to secure the appropriate regulatory approvals around the world.
“Over the course of 5 years, Spartan Bioscience has developed a flexible, point-of-care DNA testing system that enables us to enter new multi-billion dollar markets,” said Larry D’Andrea, CEO of Spartan Bioscience. “The Spartan RX CYP2C19 is the first of many personalized medicine tests designed to help reduce adverse events to blockbuster drugs and ultimately, save thousands if not millions of lives.”
About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA testing systems for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on decentralized and point-of-care applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as pharmacogenetics, infectious diseases, and food and water safety testing.
The Spartan logo is a registered trademark of Spartan Bioscience Inc.
Plavix is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals.
Effient is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Larry D’Andrea
CEO
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
1-613-228-7756 x701
media@spartanbio.com
2 Mega JL et al. (2009). N Engl J Med. 360:354-62.
3 Wiviott SD et al. (2007). N Engl J Med. 357:2001-2015.
Spartan Bioscience receives the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance 2010 Award for Outstanding Product Achievement in the ICT/Health Sector
Ottawa, ON, May 20, 2010 - Spartan Bioscience is proud to announce that the company is the recipient of the CATA 2010 Award for Outstanding Product Achievement in the ICT/Health Sector. Sponsored by Wellington West Capital, the award is granted annually by the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) to a Canadian organization for an outstanding engineering development which has resulted in the production of a world-class product or family of products. The product must have proven itself in operation, and its design and market success must enhance Canada’s international reputation for innovation and excellence.
“Spartan is thrilled to win this award. It demonstrates a wider awareness of our achievements among the broad CATA membership,” said Larry D’Andrea, CEO of Spartan Bioscience.
The Spartan DX-12 is the first commercially-available DNA testing system for on-demand applications that is fast, affordable and easy to use. Applications include decentralized testing for infectious diseases, human genetic testing, food safety and water testing.
“These award winners have shown that they are innovators and skilled business people. They are role models for the development of commercially successful enterprises in Canada. CATA’s role as their advocate is to ensure that we create a rich foundation of programs and initiatives that enable leading entrepreneurs to launch their products and exploit their new business opportunities,” said John Reid, President of CATA.
About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA testing systems for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on decentralized and point-of-care applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as pharmacogenetics, infectious diseases, and food and water safety testing.
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Larry D’Andrea
CEO
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
1-613-228-7756 x701
media@spartanbio.com
Spartan Bioscience Founder Dr. Paul Lem receives the Ontario Premier’s 2010 Catalyst Award as Best Young Innovator
Young Scientist Honoured for Spartan DX-12 DNA Testing System
Ottawa, ON, May 18, 2010 – Mr. Larry D’Andrea, CEO, and the Board of Directors of Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA testing systems for on-demand applications, today announced that Dr. Paul Lem is the 2010 recipient of the Ontario Premier’s Catalyst Award as Best Young Innovator.
Dr. Paul Lem, founder of Spartan Bioscience, is one of Canada’s most successful emerging biotechnology entrepreneurs. At age 30, Dr. Lem founded Spartan Bioscience and launched his most notable invention, the Spartan DX-12. This medical device is a DNA testing system that is fast, affordable, and easy to use. It is designed for decentralized applications in fields such as infectious diseases, human genetic testing, food safety, and water testing. Thanks to his drive and creativity, Dr. Lem has put the Spartan DX-12, Spartan Bioscience, and Ontario at the forefront of the rapidly growing worldwide market for on-demand DNA testing.
“We are very proud that Dr. Lem has been honoured with this award,” said Larry D’Andrea, CEO of Spartan Bioscience. “Not only does it acknowledge the innovativeness of Dr. Lem’s invention, but it validates the importance of on-demand DNA testing.”
About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA testing systems for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on decentralized and point-of-care applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as pharmacogenetics, infectious diseases, and food and water safety testing.
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Larry D’Andrea
CEO
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
1-613-228-7756 x701
media@spartanbio.com
Larry D’Andrea joins Spartan Bioscience as CEO
Momentum continues as company moves to larger offices and hires more senior staff
Ottawa, ON, September 30, 2009 – Dr. Paul Lem, Founder, and the Board of Directors of Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced the appointment of Mr. Larry D’Andrea as CEO. This appointment, together with the recent addition of Dr. Steve de Hennin as Director of Research and Development and a move to larger offices, positions Spartan to be a dominant player in the DNA marketplace.
“We are excited to add Larry D’Andrea and Dr. Steve de Hennin to the Spartan team. As Spartan’s CEO, Larry will be responsible for implementing our strategy of providing customers with end-to-end solutions for DNA testing,” said Dr. Paul Lem, founder, Spartan Bioscience. “In my new role as Founder, I will be supporting Larry in developing Spartan’s technology strategy. Steve will be a great help in this regard because he is a crackerjack engineer and an inspiring executive.”
“Since the inception of Spartan in January, 2005, we have strived to add the best ‘Spartans’ we could find. With these recent additions we have established a very experienced senior team to guide the company to the next level of performance,” said Mark Kershey, President of Spartan Bioscience. “As one of the 3 original inventors/founders of Spartan, Dr. Lem has deemed this point as the logical time to transition his role and we applaud him for what had to be a difficult decision on his part. Having established commercial sales in August, 2009, we are poised for accelerated growth and are more than pleased to have both Larry and Steve on the Spartan team.”
Larry D’Andrea as new CEO
Mr. D’Andrea has more than 20 years experience in consulting to companies and producing dramatic bottom-line results. Most recently the leader of the Canadian M&A practice for Grant Thornton LLP, Mr. D’Andrea was a co-founder of Alluence Capital Advisors Inc. and a former partner with Ernst & Young. He has international experience leading projects in Canada, US, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, Czech Republic, Japan, Singapore, and China. Mr. D’Andrea’s professional designations include Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
”I am excited by Spartan’s potential – the Spartan technology will be a key part of the complete end-to-end solution that will bring low-throughput DNA testing to a broader market. Spartan will be able to create markets that previously could not access DNA testing because of the high cost of the instruments and the high skill requirements of the scientists performing the tests. While creating a new market does have its challenges, I look forward to working with the Spartan team as we begin to establish our footprint,” said Larry D’Andrea, the new CEO of Spartan Bioscience.
New Director of R&D
Dr. Steve de Hennin was recently appointed Director of Research and Development at Spartan Bioscience. He is responsible for managing all of the development engineering activities of Spartan.
He brings a wide range of product and application development experiences. Among his many previous successes was managing the telecom product development and manufacturing release of MEMS / spectrometer based ROADM product and technologies and automated alignment and laser welding stations. The products Steve and his team developed currently dominate the world telecom market. Earlier in his career, Dr. de Hennin headed a technical team operating a billion-dollar steel rolling mill, implementing state-of-the-art control systems on steel traveling at speeds in excess of 1m/s. Steve holds B.Eng Hons. from the University of Queensland and a Ph.D. in Process Systems Engineering from Imperial College, University of London.
New offices
As the company has grown, so too has the need for more office space, so Spartan Bioscience has recently relocated to a larger space to accommodate more staff – both in the management and on the scientific and research side of the business. They are now located at 204-6 Gurdwara Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2E 8A3. New contact numbers include Tel: (613) 228-7756 and Fax: (613) 228-8636.
About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets PCR-based DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low-throughput research experiments and non-batched testing for infectious diseases. For more information, please visit the website at www.spartanbio.com.
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Mullins
Public Relations & Communications
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
613-866-8803
Spartan Bioscience and Cooperative Diagnostics collaborate to develop cost-effective and fast PCR testing for HIV/AIDS virus
Collaboration agreement brings together 2 technologies with goal to deliver DNA testing to the developing world
Atlanta, GA/Ottawa, ON, May 19, 2009 – Spartan Bioscience Inc. and Cooperative Diagnostics, LLC, each private companies with a vision to help the developing world test for diseases in a cost-effective and timely manner, have signed a cooperation agreement that will bring this vision a step closer to reality. By using the custom PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assays designed and manufactured by Cooperative Diagnostics in the Spartan DX-12TM DNA analyzer, the companies hope they can bring PCR testing for viruses such as HIV/AIDS to the Global South region.
“Spartan’s vision is bringing the power of DNA testing to everyone. This means both the developed world and the developing world. There is enormous potential for remote and under-served regions to benefit from fast, affordable, and easy-to-use DNA analysis.” said Dr. Paul Lem, CEO and co-founder, Spartan Bioscience. “Too often, cost issues prevent the developing world from receiving life-saving medical technologies. This is why the collaboration agreement with Cooperative Diagnostics is so exciting – we have the potential to bring highly-accurate DNA-based HIV/AIDS testing to countries and regions who have been severely under-served and often forgotten.”
“Cooperative Diagnostics was founded with a singular purpose: to make the highest quality diagnostics available to the people who need them most,” said Brent C. Satterfield, Ph.D., President and Founder, Cooperative Diagnostics. “When traditional marketing approaches don’t meet the needs of the underserved populations in the world, then there is a need for people who care enough to think outside of the box – people who can find creative ways to generate sustainable change. We are pleased with our relationship with Spartan, because we feel that their approach to cost-effective PCR testing is a step in the right direction towards meeting the needs of the world’s nations.”
The agreement reached between the two companies is to form and execute a Joint Research Collaboration Project with the scope of conduct to include all necessary validation testing of the Cooperative Diagnostics HIV PCR Assay technology on the Spartan DX-12 DNA analyzer.
The Cooperative Diagnostics designed SimplexTM HIV-1 RNA kit is part of a blood screening kit manufactured and distributed by Cooperative Diagnostics International, S.A. in Guatemala. The research collaboration with Spartan is intended to provide additional validation for the HIV-1 test in applications for infant diagnosis and viral load testing in resource limited settings. With anticipated pricing of less than $10 U.S., the test will bring significant reductions to the cost of infant diagnosis and viral load testing.
The Spartan DX-12™ DNA analyzer, developed and manufactured by Spartan Bioscience Inc. is now available for world-wide commercial use. Priced at less than $12,500 U.S. and designed for non-batched PCR applications, the DX-12 is an easy-to-use, lightweight stand-alone instrument that produces both qualitative and quantitative results typically in 30 to 60 minutes.
About Spartan Bioscience
Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostic instrumentation company developing, manufacturing, and marketing DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. Founded in 2005, the company is focusing on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low-throughput research experiments or time-critical diagnostic testing for infectious diseases. Other applications include human genetics, veterinary, food and water safety, and many others. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. For more information visit the website at www.spartanbio.com
About Cooperative Diagnostics
With an R&D facility located in Greenwood, South Carolina, and a manufacturing and distribution facility located in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Cooperative Diagnostics combines superior real-time PCR assay design skills with proprietary informatics solutions for the rapid and efficient development of clinical molecular diagnostic assays. Since its inception in January of 2008, the company emphasis has been 100% focused on identifying and implementing ways to create sustainable change in diagnostics for global health. The company currently has four tests, HIV-1, HBV, HCV and Chagas together with a nucleic acid sample preparation kit available in Guatemala. Further tests are being developed for other neglected tropical diseases. For more information visit www.codiagnostics.com
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Mullins
PR and Communications
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
613-866-8803
www.spartanbio.com
Spartan Bioscience DX-12™ DNA analyzer now available
12-well sample capacity and dual-channel detection device provides
PCR results on-demand
Atlanta, GA/Ottawa, ON, May 18, 2009 – Spartan DX-12™ DNA analyzer, developed and manufactured by Spartan Bioscience Inc™. is now available for world-wide commercial use. Priced at less than $12,500 U.S., the DX-12 is affordable for all laboratories. Designed for non-batched PCR applications, the DX-12 is an easy-to-use, lightweight stand-alone instrument that produces both qualitative and quantitative results typically in 30-60 minutes.
“The commercial release of the Spartan DX-12 is the culmination of 3 ½ years of intense development,” said Mark Kershey, President, Spartan Bioscience. “We are pleased that the first clinical validation of the instrument was completed by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and presented last month at the Clinical Virology Symposium in Florida and this validation has generated significant interest in our on-demand PCR analyzer. Our existing orders for the DX-12 will start shipping in June and the resellers that have been waiting for this device are being contacted to set the stage for global shipments.”
Key operating features of the Spartan DX-12 include:
• 12-well sample capacity and dual-channel optical detection
• Performs 2 or 3 temperature PCR programs
• Small size means minimal bench footprint
• Fully stand-alone; no computer required to operate or interpret results
• Built-in Reverse Transcription (RT) program for RNA analysisv
• Melt curve analysis
• Quantitative analysis
• Compatible with leading reagents and kits
Spartan will be showcasing the DX-12 at the BIO International Convention in Atlanta, GA, May 18-21, 2009, in the Province of Ontario Pavilion booth # 3311.
About Spartan Bioscience
Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostic instrumentation company developing, manufacturing, and marketing DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. Founded in 2005, the company focus is on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low-throughput research experiments or time-critical diagnostic testing for infectious diseases. Other applications include human genetics, veterinary, food and water safety, and many others. The company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. For more information visit the website at www.spartanbio.com
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Mullins
PR and Communications
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
613-866-8803
www.spartanbio.com
Spartan Bioscience expands to meet DNA market opportunity
Additional senior hires set the stage for global commercialization
Ottawa, ON, April 22, 2009 – Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced management changes and the addition of several key staff. These additions to the Spartan team set the stage for accelerated growth in 2009 and beyond.
“Over the past 3 years Spartan’s R&D team has successfully developed desktop DNA analyzers that are fast, affordable, and easy to use. To capitalize on our innovations, we are now shifting our focus from R&D to sales and marketing,” said Dr. Paul Lem, CEO and Founder, Spartan Bioscience. “As part of this shift, I am very pleased to announce the promotion of Mark D. Kershey to the role of President. As one of Spartan’s early founders, Mark successfully managed our financing, corporate structure, and market development activities. In his new role, Mark will expand our sales and marketing, and business development initiatives.”
“I am excited with the way our commercialization team has come together,” said Mark Kershey, President, Spartan Bioscience. “Paul Markell, our Chief Operating Officer, has more than 20 years of experience in managing supply chains and growing businesses. His operations expertise will be invaluable as sales ramp up around the world. As well, we expect great things from the newest additions to Spartan’s executive team: Jay Rau, our Director of Business Development, and Susie Kagel, our Director of US Sales Operations.
“The recent closing of our latest investment round was a tremendous achievement. We successfully raised millions of dollars during the worst financial crisis of our lifetime. It validates Spartan’s mission of bringing the power of DNA testing to the mainstream market,” added Mr. Kershey.
Additions to the Spartan Bioscience team include:
Ms. Susie Kagel – Director, US Sales Operations. Located in Belton, Texas, Susie comes to Spartan with 15 years of sales and management experience in the Molecular Diagnostics (MDx) market. Susie is expanding Spartan’s presence in the MDx military and research markets in the United States.
Mr. Jay Rau – Director, Business Development. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jay has 25 years of business development experience in the life science market. With his extensive network of contacts, Jay is helping Spartan develop strategic partnerships with key industry players around the world.
Mr. Sanjay Belkhode - Director, Channel Development. For the past 3 years, Sanjay was Director of Sales Operations at Spartan. In his new role, Sanjay is responsible for building out the company’s global network of resellers and distributors.
Ms. Shelley Mullins – Public Relations & Communications. Shelley has many years of experience in public relations and communications with startups and large companies. Her activities are aimed at raising Spartan’s profile in the medical and life science industries.
About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets PCR-based DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low-throughput research experiments and non-batched testing for infectious diseases. For more information, please visit the website at Spartan Bioscience Inc. The global release of the commercial version of the Spartan DX-12 DNA analyzer is scheduled for the end of May, 2009 and will be the focus of Spartan’s attendance at the BIO International conference in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Mullins
Public Relations & Communications
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
613-866-8803
Spartan Bioscience honoured for business vision
Momentum continues to build as Spartan receives accolades and industry recognition
Ottawa, ON, November 25, 2008 – Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced they have received the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Ottawa Business Achievement Awards Small Business of the Year Gold Award, and were included in the Canadian Angel Capital Top 10 Companies as selected by Canadian angel investors.
“We’re honoured to be recognized by our own business community here in Ottawa and also by the Canadian angel investment community, and to have these two events happen within the same week is extremely exciting for everyone at Spartan,” said Dr. Paul Lem, CEO and Founder, Spartan Bioscience. “In today’s economic climate, it’s very gratifying to be invited and recognized by the National Angel Capital Organization for our groundbreaking work in developing on-demand DNA analyzers”.
The Ottawa Business Achievement Awards is an annual celebration of the best of the best that the Ottawa business community has to offer. Nominees vie for bronze, silver and gold awards in six separate categories. This program is sponsored of the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.
Angel investors attending the First Canadian Co-investment Summit voted for the Canadian Angel Capital Top 10 Companies. These enterprises were considered “Canada’s best angel-backed early-stage investment opportunities by the more than 120 investors present at the summit.
“This is really a vote of confidence in the future by Canada’s Angel investors,” said W. Daniel Mothersill, President, National Angel Capital Organization. “Angel investors are the only distinct class of capital left that is focused on funding commercialization by early-stage companies – our investees are Canada’s future champions and major employers.”
About Spartan Bioscience
Founded in 2005, Spartan Bioscience Inc. is a privately-held molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications. The company is focusing on applications where rapid and convenient DNA testing is particularly important, such as low-throughput research experiments and non-batched testing for infectious diseases.
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For Media and Analyst inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Mullins
Media and Analyst Relations
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
Shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
613-866-8803
Canadian Angel Capital Top 10 Companies Recognized
Co-investment Summit Showcases Tomorrow’s Champions
TORONTO, Nov. 20 /CNW/ - Angel investors attending the First Canadian Co-investment Summit yesterday from across Canada voted for the Canadian Angel Capital Top 10 Companies. These enterprises were considered “Canada’s best Angel-backed early-stage investment opportunities” by the over 120 investors present at the Summit. “This is really a vote of confidence in the future by Canada’s Angel investors,” said W. Daniel Mothersill, President, National Angel Capital Organization. “Angel investors are the only distinct class of capital left that is focused on funding commercialization by early-stage companies - our investees are Canada’s future champions and major employers.”
The Canadian Angel Capital Top 10 Companies are:
| Company name | Website |
|---|---|
| Well.ca | www.well.ca |
| Signalink Technologies Inc. | www.signalink.com |
| Spartan Bioscience Inc. | www.spartanbio.com |
| Comagulation Inc. o/a Ambersafe | www.ambersafe.com |
| PCA Services Inc. | www.pcasinc.com |
| Sempa Power Systems | www.sempapower.com |
| Picomole Instruments Inc. | www.picomole.com |
| Streamlogics Inc. | www.streamlogics.com |
| Open Ocean Systems Inc. | www.openoceansystems.com |
| Amika Mobile | www.amikamobile.com |
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 |
| Spartan CEO speaks at the the First Canadian Co-investment Summit (CNW Group/National Angel Capital Organization) | The National Angel Capital Organization presents a Canadian Angel Capital Top 10 Award to Dr. Paul Lem, CEO of Spartan Bioscience. Awards were the result of balloting by the investors attending the First Canadian Co-investment Summit. (CNW Group/National Angel Capital Organization) |
Spartan Bioscience announces new agreement with NorDiag ASA
Joint offering to provide fast, affordable, end-to-end DNA preparation and analysis
Ottawa, ON, October 29, 2008 – Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, and NorDiag ASA, a Norwegian biotechnology company that develops, manufacturers and markets automated nucleic acid sample preparation instruments and magnetic bead based reagents for assays that require the purification of nucleic acid from difficult clinical samples such as urine, feces, sputum and tissue announced they have signed a joint collaboration agreement with the intention of developing an end-to-end DNA preparation and analysis solution.
The goal of the partnership is to provide an end-to-end solution for DNA analysis that is truly fast, affordable and user friendly. The basis of the collaboration is each company’s lab equipment which both have very small bench footprints and are easily portable. Pricing for individual systems is expected to be less than $15,000 each when both instruments are released in 2009.
“The combination of the NorDiag ‘Arrow’ DNA isolation device with the Spartan DX-12™ DNA analyzer has the potential to change the playing field in the DNA analysis space,” said Mark Kershey, VP Corporate Development, Spartan Bioscience. “With a combined price tag expected to be less than $30,000 there will be nothing else like it. Each device is designed to complete its processing of 12 samples in 30 minutes or less making the entire workflow possible in less than an hour. This capability and its affordability will open DNA analysis to labs around the world.”
“Tailoring our sample preparation to DNA analyzing platforms is an important element of our strategy. We believe that small flexible and affordable systems will enable smaller labs to widen their menu of diagnostics tests being offered,” said NorDiag CEO Mårten Wigstøl. “Even more important, new DNA based tests using samples such as urine, faeces and sputum will open up new markets and we believe that a small affordable solution is perfect for such emerging tests.”
The companies will be unveiling their respective early prototypes at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) meeting and exhibit October 29 - November 2, 2008 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas. Spartan will be located in booth # 215, adjacent NorDiag, booth # 216.
