News
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 |
 |
 |
| 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.
Spartan Bioscience unveils the Spartan DX-12™ DNA analyzer
New capabilities added after extensive feedback from validation partners
Ottawa, ON, October 27, 2008 – Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced the unveiling of the prototype Spartan DX-12™ DNA analyzer. This new addition to the Spartan product line is a direct result of feedback provided by evaluation partners in molecular biology labs across the U.S. and Canada.
“The Spartan DX-12 is a 12 well DNA analyzer representing the culmination of features and capabilities that the DNA analysis market has said they want and need, “ said Mark Kershey, VP Corporate Development, Spartan Bioscience. “The initial Spartan DX device was introduced to test the market and solicit feedback from lab scientists, the results of which were used in defining the specifications for the Spartan DX-12 device. The research community spoke, and Spartan listened.”
Key operating features of the Spartan DX-12 include:
- 12 wells
- Both End-Point detection and Real-Time PCR capabilities
- Quantitative analysis
- Typical results within 30 minutes
- Fully stand-alone and portable
- Advanced and easy to use graphing and analysis software
“We are confident that we have created a fast, sensitive and robust unit with better accuracy and precision than larger DNA analyzers” says Dr. Chris Harder, lead scientist, Spartan Bioscience. “Our goal remains to positively affect public health by delivering quick DNA analyses with an instrument that is as easy to use as your cell phone.”
DNA testing is the gold standard for a wide variety of fields, from clinical microbiology and virology, to veterinary, and food and water testing. With the Spartan DX-12, test facilities will be better able to provide “STAT” confirmatory testing of infectious pathogens.
Spartan will be unveiling an early prototype of the Spartan DX-12 DNA analyzer 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. The company will be located in booth # 215, adjacent to partners TrimGen Corporation, booth # 217 and NorDiag, booth # 216.
Production of the Spartan DX-12 is scheduled to begin in Q1, 2009. Current customers can take advantage of the Spartan upgrade program to easily move up to the DX-12 from their current Spartan DX devices.
Spartan Bioscience announces enhanced diagnostic capabilities with Spartan DX™ DNA analyzer
2-channel real-time detection now available
Spartan Bioscience Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced a significant breakthrough for its Spartan DX™ DNA analyzer. The addition of a second (Red) channel for optical detection permits scientists to test for two genetic markers simultaneously in the same reaction tube. It also enables scientists to run internal controls to confirm that an assay is working properly. This product enhancement will provide Spartan customers with improved diagnostic capabilities for their on-demand DNA testing applications, including real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
DNA testing is rapidly becoming the “gold standard” for a wide variety of fields, from clinical microbiology and virology, to veterinary, and food and water testing. Scientists have validated the Spartan DX for applications such as on-demand testing for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in pediatric meningitis, and testing for Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), an antibiotic-resistant “superbug”. “We acquired the Spartan DX with its single channel capability because of its ease of use and portability. The new 2-channel capability will open up innovative opportunities for the Spartan DX within our core market of food safety testing. We are currently demonstrating a 35-minute PCR-based test with the Spartan DX indicating hazelnut or peanut contamination in a food source This is a huge stride forward for R-Biopharm and our customers,” said Kurt Johnson, President of R-Biopharm of Marshall, Michigan.
“Since its release in June 2007, the Spartan DX has been validated by DNA labs across the USA and Canada. The feedback we received from these evaluation partners led us to develop the 2-channel capability. This new capability makes the Spartan DX the leading on-demand DNA analyzer for its ease of use, affordability, portability and speed. In addition, the 2-channel instrument is just as portable as the single channel one because it shares the same footprint,” said Mark D. Kershey, VP Corporate Development of Spartan Bioscience Inc. “Spartan is now engaging with distributors and sales agents globally to make the Spartan DX more accessible to customers.” Spartan will be unveiling the new 2-channel Spartan DX at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, California June 17-20, 2008. The company will be located in the Ontario Pavilion at Booth Number 4625.
Download 2-channel datasheet (PDF 50KB)
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.For media and analyst inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Mullins
Media and Analyst Relations
Spartan Bioscience Inc.
Telephone: +1 (613) 866-8803
Email: shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
Spartan Bioscience and TrimGen partner to provide end-to-end real-time PCR Analysis
TrimGen eQ-PCR assays and reagents optimized for the Spartan DX™ DNA analyzer
Spartan Bioscience Inc. , a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets DNA analyzers for on-demand applications, today announced a significant strategic partnership with Maryland-based TrimGen Corporation Inc.. Under an MOU (memorandum of understanding) framework between the companies, TrimGen will develop real-time PCR reagents and kits optimized to run on the Spartan DXTM device and Spartan will distribute TrimGen products in Canada. This will provide Spartan customers with one-stop-shopping for their on-demand real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) requirements.
“The Spartan DX is a new instrument for on-demand molecular diagnostics. It is fast, affordable and easy-to-use. By adding TrimGen’s optimized real-time PCR assays, our customers get a complete solution for rapid DNA testing,” said Dr. Paul Lem, CEO of Spartan Bioscience Inc.
“We’ve been working with Spartan for some time now and we share their vision of the future of on-demand real-time PCR. TrimGen’s eQ-PCR reagents and kits will be represented by Spartan in Canada where they are well connected with the customers,” said Dr. James Wang, CEO of TrimGen Corporation. “Spartan is creating a new market for on-demand molecular diagnostics. There is enormous potential for rapid and highly accurate DNA testing. We are very pleased with our relationship with Spartan and will continue to collaborate with them as their product line evolves.”
Spartan and TrimGen will be attending the Clinical Virology Symposium in Daytona Beach, booths 110 and 111, in Florida, April 27-30, 2008
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.About TrimGen Corporation
TrimGen is a privately held diagnostic company founded in 1999. The company focuses on nucleic acid-based molecular diagnosis for leukemia, cancer and infectious diseases. Our mission is to provide advanced genetic tests to transform traditional medicine into personalized medicine.
Spartan Bioscience Contact Information:
Shelley Mullins - Media and Analyst Relations
Phone: 613-866-8803
Email: shelley.mullins@spartanbio.com
