Luminex Corporation Displays RT-PCR Molecular Diagnostics Solution at AACC

Luminex Corporation displayed a prototype analyzer at AACC last week which promises to be an integrated, highly automated, real-time PCR system. The company announced on July 9th 2012, a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held, GenturaDx, a molecular diagnostics company focused on making nucleic acid testing both affordable and practical for any laboratory.

GenturaDx is in late stage development of the real-time PCR system that employs a single-use cassette for true sample-to-answer workflow. This new system will make rapid, high-quality molecular diagnostics accessible to hospitals and patients worldwide. The integration of Luminex's MultiCode-RTx chemistry with the GenturaDx instrument is expected to result in a market leading system for molecular diagnostic testing.

GenturaDx's patented cartridge design provides automated sample extraction, amplification and detection thereby improving testing throughput, while reducing hands on time, turnaround times and sample handling. The system's user-friendly design delivers the convenience of random access/batch format enabling customers to run a combination of available assays on up to 12 patients' samples simultaneously. The flexibility in throughput, rapid turnaround time and small footprint of the GenturaDx instrument will be unique in the industry when combined with its sample-to-answer workflow. Luminex anticipates commercial availability of a variety of assays for use with this system by early 2014.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to address the needs of a large market by expanding our instrument portfolio and integrating our MultiCode-RTx assays with this innovative platform," said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and CEO of Luminex. "This acquisition accelerates the development of integrated sample processing capabilities for our technology, and aligns with our mission to reduce healthcare costs and improve clinical outcomes by providing innovative and affordable solutions to today's clinical laboratories. The acquisition of GenturaDx builds on our strategic investments to date and positions the company to deliver ongoing growth by increasing our product portfolio, expanding our market opportunities and leveraging our leadership position."

"Our proprietary technology provides a unique and unmatched alternative to current sample automation for PCR technology," said Mark N.K. Bagnall, president and CEO of GenturaDx. "I am confident that Luminex will recognize significant strategic and economic benefit from this acquisition and am pleased that our expertise and technology will help to fuel continued growth of an established industry leader like Luminex."