Xenomics Announces Development of a Method for Isolation of Cell-Free Nucleic Acids From Urine

Xenomics, Inc. has announced that it has developed a method for the isolation of low molecular weight cell-free transrenal DNA (Tr-DNA) from urine.

Using this approach, Xenomics is planning to develop kits for research use to accelerate the application of its proprietary Tr-DNA technology in different areas of DNA-based molecular diagnostics, in both humans as well as animals.

The method is applicable to small and large volumes of urine, and can be used for Tr-DNA preservation, storage, shipping and purification.

Similar products will be developed for future clinical diagnostic tests, based on analysis of Tr-DNA.

"This new method of DNA isolation from urine specimens is an important milestone for Xenomics, as all of our diagnostic tests currently in development, as well as those envisioned for the future, include this basic DNA isolation technique," commented Dr. L. David Tomei, CEO and Co-Founder of Xenomics.

"Many of the available DNA isolation kits were designed for purification of large genomic DNA in blood or tissue specimens."

"The new techniques are specifically designed to isolate Tr-DNA from simple urine specimens, and used to detect the genetic signature of a broad variety of diseases in the body."

"The small DNA markers in urine specimens can come from throughout the body and are recognized by the fact that they are clearly distinct from the body's genetic makeup," says Dr. James Huggett, Senior Research Fellow at The University College of London. 

"The detection of pathogen genetic components as transrenal DNA has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Urine is both simple and non-invasive to obtain, and can be sampled as easily in children as in adults."

"The monitoring of pathogen DNA in the urine could greatly improve the use of available therapy and provide a valuable tool for assessing patient prognosis."