HTG Introduces Testing Method for RNA in Fixed Tissue Samples - Analytical Methods & Tools for Lyophilization

HTG Introduces Testing Method for RNA in Fixed Tissue Samples
December 7, 2006
Business Wire
TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HTG, Inc., a provider of novel array-based gene expression assay technology and services for the pharmaceutical industry, today announced the availability of a new in situ testing method for gene expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. Using HTG?s qNPA? (quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay) technology, researchers can, for the first time, effectively quantitate RNA expression for up to 16 targets simultaneously in FFPE tissue sections without the need for extraction or target amplification.
With conventional methods it has been challenging for researchers to analyze fixed tissue samples and yield useful information because it is difficult to extract RNA from fixed sample blocks for several reasons. Formalin, the most common fixative, is excellent at preserving structure but the fixation process also causes a series of crosslinks to form, making molecular assays difficult to run. Second, the quality of RNA quickly deteriorates over time. Both factors make it difficult to extract gene targets for molecular testing, secure accurate information and eliminate false positives.
HTG?s qNPA technology allows researchers to simply lyse the tissue section, incubate the qNPA probes and then detect the levels of up to 16 different RNA targets simultaneously. Whole assay CVs are 10 percent or less and the qNPA method has been tested successfully on tissue blocks up to 15 years old making retrospective studies feasible.
The ArrayPlate qNPA technology offers highly accurate, sensitive and reproducible test results without the need for extraction, reverse transcription or amplification. The technology provides the absolute sensitivity to measure any gene desired, including low abundant genes. Instead of studying one gene at a time, researchers are also able to select a set of genes for simultaneous evaluation, a critical step in identifying the most promising drug compounds to treat complex, multi-factorial diseases.
?Until now, there has not been an effective means to analyze RNA in fixed tissue samples,? said Bruce Seligmann, CSO, HTG. ?HTG?s qNPA multiplexed technology offers researchers a quick, easy and reliable method to examine RNA stored in fixed tissue samples. HTG?s method is so sensitive and precise that the age of the tissue block is no longer a factor and retrospective studies can be performed to identify changes in diseases or patients over time.?
For more information on the qNPA technology, please call (520) 547-2827 or visit www.htgenomics.com.
About HTG
HTG provides ArrayPlate qNPA technology and services for the life sciences industry, addressing current unmet needs and enabling a new era of drug discovery and diagnostics. The company's ArrayPlate technology platform enables the accurate, sensitive, reproducible and repeatable measurement of molecular signatures through the multiplexed measurement of RNA expression levels, DNA and protein levels and function. ArrayPlate qNPA data measure how drugs act and diseases are mediated at the level of whole cells, tissues, or organisms. This enables researchers to focus their resources by rapidly obtaining higher quality results than possible with other methods, in days rather than months, saving time and cost while addressing critical unmet needs. Privately-held HTG is based in Tucson, Arizona. Investors in the company include Solstice Capital, Valley Ventures, and Village Ventures. Additional information is available at www.htgenomics.com.