Q Chip Ltd Releases ReaX™ PCR Beads for Molecular Diagnostics

Q Chip Ltd has announced the launch of ReaX™ MDx enhanced PCR beads for molecular diagnostics. ReaX MDx beads provide a complete assay in an easy-to-use format with a simplified workflow compared to some currently available molecular diagnostics.  ReaX MDx can eliminate the need for temperature-controlled logistics – making them particularly suitable for oncology and infectious disease assays and point-of-care formats.

In 2007, the molecular diagnostics market was worth $2.8 billion worldwide and growing at 15-20%, and according to Q Chip CEO Mark Barry, ReaX MDx offers the first real alternative to lyophilization. “In addition, the beads meet other requirements in the fast growing molecular diagnostics market sector, such as assay simplification combined with reproducible results and we are currently looking for licensing partners for this exciting technology”.

The ReaX MDx beads are produced from organic and hydrogel polymers in Q Chip’s proprietary MicroPlant™ microfluidic device. The MicroPlant produces beads of uniformity (<2% variability) that encapsulate all the reagents needed to perform the diagnostic assay. This means that ReaX MDx assays require minimal user input, time and skill level giving results that are accurate and reproducible every time, no matter where or by whom the assay is performed.

The MicroPlant production technology also offers significant benefits compared to conventional micro encapsulation processes, such as ultra-low wastage, uniform dosing and morphology, and low process costs, the company says.