First point-of-need, PCR system capable of using conventional probe-based chemistry or inexpensive, rapidly available SYBR Green chemistry

BEVERLY, Mass., Aug. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LexaGene Holdings, Inc., (OTCQB: LXXGF; TSX-V: LXG) a molecular diagnostics company developing automated rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing solutions for veterinary diagnostics and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, is pleased to announce that its MiQLab™ System is the first point-of-need system that can be configured to perform PCR using either probe-based chemistry or SYBR Green chemistry coupled with melt curve analysis.

Dr. Nathan Walsh, VP of Applications and Informatics stated, “Traditional real time PCR uses expensive hydrolysis probes that have long lead times for manufacturing, whereas SYBR Green-based PCR uses inexpensive primers that have much shorter lead times.”

“The COVID pandemic has caused massive delays in the manufacturing and delivery of the PCR probes used in diagnostic testing. In many cases, these delays were sometimes greater than 8 weeks, which created shortages that prevented the running of some testing platforms,” continued Dr. Walsh. “In contrast, the primers necessary for SYBR Green based testing have continued to be available within just a few days. For some applications, having short lead times for ordering new reagents is of tremendous value. Showing that the MiQLab can perform both types of PCR is important for establishing the flexibility of this technology for open-access customers.”

In a small study, LexaGene demonstrated the MiQLab successfully detected both Escherichia coli and an internal amplification control using SYBR Green chemistry. These two targets were distinguished by melt curve analysis of their respective PCR products

Dr. Jack Regan, LexaGene’s Founder and CEO stated, “To our knowledge, all other automated point-of-need instruments are only configured to perform with one type of chemistry, but the MiQLab System can effectively handle both. For some applications, we can use inexpensive SYBR Green chemistry to get the same quality answer we would normally get using the more expensive probe-based chemistry. For these types of applications, we have every motivation to use the less expensive chemistry to reduce costs. At our current volume of manufacturing and the MiQLab’s typical reagent usage, changing from probe-based to SYBR Green based chemistry would equate to an ~20% reduction in the cost to screen a sample for 27 different targets of interest.”

A brief video interview with Dr. Jack Regan can be viewed HERE.

The company will continue to market its probe-based MiQLab Bacterial and AMR Test V2 test while leveraging this new test functionality with prospective open-access customers who do not have probe-based PCR tests.

To learn more about LexaGene and the MiQLab System or subscribe to company updates, visit www.lexagene.com, or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Dr. Jack Regan
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman

About LexaGene Holdings Inc.
LexaGene is a molecular diagnostics company that develops molecular diagnostic systems for pathogen detection and genetic testing for other molecular markers for on-site rapid testing in veterinary diagnostics, food safety and for use in open-access markets such as clinical research, agricultural testing, and biodefense. End-users simply need to collect a sample, load it onto the instrument with a sample preparation cartridge, enter sample ID and press ‘go’. The MiQLab™ system delivers excellent sensitivity, specificity, and breadth of detection and can return results in approximately two hours. The unique open-access feature is designed for custom testing so that end-users can load their own real-time PCR assays onto the instrument to target any genetic target of interest.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts, the success of technology development efforts, the cost to procure critical parts, performance of the instrument, market acceptance of the technology, regulatory acceptance, and licensing issues -- that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations as disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

[1] 10.5812/jjm.19041v2