DNA Electronics licenses technology platform for rapid, lab-free DNA detection to geneOnyx

DNA Electronics Ltd. a developer of semiconductor solutions for real-time DNA and RNA detection, today announces that it has licensed its ground-breaking Genalysis^® technology platform for rapid, lab-free DNA detection to geneOnyx, a company that is delivering on-the-spot genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skincare applications. Following a successful evaluation of the DNA Electronics' USB-based Genalysis^® lab-free platform, the two companies are announcing a commercial license and supply agreement that grants geneOnyx access to DNA Electronics' real-time Genalysis^® platform for cosmetic applications. This agreement will deliver the world's first commercial application of a true sample-to-answer, easy-to-use and low-cost DNA testing platform - bringing on-site, over-the-counter services to the retail industry for the first time.

“This agreement makes lab-free semiconductor solutions for DNA analysis a commercial reality for both medical and non-medical markets - from personalised medicine to anti-ageing skincare.”

DNA Electronics' Genalysis^® is a real-time platform for nucleic acid testing, delivering accurate, point-of-need results within 30 minutes using just a simple sample processing kit and interchangeable test cartridges plugged into a USB stick or other electronic reader. The Genalysis^® platform enables truly user-friendly, rapid, lab-free and pipette-free DNA analysis products for a variety of medical and consumer applications. While this licensing and supply agreement launches DNA Electronics in its first non-IVD market for test panels selected by geneOnyx, pilot trials for clinical diagnostics using Genalysis^® will also begin later this year. DNA Electronics - a privately-held company - was founded by semiconductor and medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng, based on his key 2001 invention of detecting protons released during DNA synthesis using a standard silicon-chip based transistor - culminating in the world's first DNA analysis on unmodified CMOS technology. DNA Electronics already has worldwide non-exclusive licensing agreements with Roche's 454 Life Sciences and Ion Torrent (Life Technologies Inc.) for the field of semiconductor sequencing, enabling these global leaders to access certain parts of the DNA Electronics proprietary technology portfolio.

Through this latest agreement, DNA Electronics will supply to geneOnyx its proprietary sample-to-answer DNA testing technology Genalysis^® for the consumer cosmetics and skincare market. geneOnyx will provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting optimal skincare and cosmetic products for individuals based on a scientific analysis of the person's genetic variations and how well a person's body will react to active product ingredients. geneOnyx's recommendations service leverages the unique ability of the Genalysis^® platform to provide on-the-spot results and connectivity to geneOnyx's cloud-based system without needing to send a sample to a laboratory for analysis.

The Genalysis^® platform processes a saliva sample from a mouth swab using a sample preparation kit designed for unskilled users which delivers purified, amplification-ready DNA to the CMOS-based test cartridge using just a couple of simple manual steps. The test cartridge then simultaneously amplifies and detects genetic signatures in the DNA when plugged into a USB stick or other electronic device. The simple three-step Genalysis^® process of "swab, twist, test" was designed by DNA Electronics to overcome the fact that most nucleic acid tests, even those described as point-of-care, still require laboratory steps such as pipetting and centrifugation, and use expensive instrumentation.

Commenting on the announcement, Prof. Toumazou said: "This agreement makes lab-free semiconductor solutions for DNA analysis a commercial reality for both medical and non-medical markets - from personalised medicine to anti-ageing skincare." He added: "With our microchip-based Genalysis^® platform, we are able to screen genetic information more quickly, more accurately and more cost-effectively than ever before. Our partnership with geneOnyx delivers the first in a new breed of fast, user-friendly and consumerised DNA analysis services, and it is a key part of our roadmap to actively work with customers to deliver innovative solutions and services around these ground-breaking on-the-spot tests. By making this technology really affordable, we are enabling transformative services for retail "cosmeceutical" markets, wellness applications, pharmaceutical drug response and more. The opportunities are extremely exciting and DNA Electronics is open to working with other committed Early Access customers to develop Genalysis^® tests for applications that solve their business needs."