TULSA, Okla., Feb 9, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Centrex, Inc. (OTCBB: CNEX) today
announced that Micronics, Inc., has advanced the development of an assay that
contains Centrex's single molecule nucleic acid detection ("SMD") technology for
application in a laboratory-on-a-card ("lab card") format. Micronics reported to
Centrex that it has achieved this important initial milestone which permits
lysis and binding reactions in the lab card format.
SMD technology, in combination with an easy-to-operate lab card device and
integrated reader, is expected to be responsive to the need for rapid, user
friendly and cost effective solutions for point-of-use analyses of a variety of
bacterial and viral organisms.
Centrex's SMD technology was exclusively licensed from Los Alamos National
Laboratories, and offers important advantages over existing DNA and RNA
detection methods as well as culture-based test methods. SMD technology
eliminates the need for amplification of the target DNA by recognizing the
unique DNA or RNA fingerprint of the target organism. This reduces the
possibility of false positive and negative test results - common concerns
frequently identified with other test procedures.
As a next step in the development process, Micronics is expected to integrate
the lysing/binding reactions together with SMD using a biological stimulant, the
spores of the bacteria Bacillus globigii. Bacillus globigii prepared in this
manner may be used safely to simulate Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) spores in the
DNA extraction and binding experiments.
Centrex is focusing commercial efforts in the development of a product that uses
SMD as part of a simultaneous, multi-channel detection system that is compact,
fully automated and capable of monitoring the presence of biological agents in
air, food and water. Potential additional applications for the SMD technology
include bioterrorism and Homeland Security, food and water processing, blood
supply screening, and general DNA/RNA testing.
Redmond, Washington-based Micronics provides custom lab card design, development
and prototypes systems. The proposed lab card for the Centrex system is expected
to include fully automated on-card sample preparation, mixing, separation, and
analysis. Reagent and waste storage also are designed to be on card for ease of
use and disposal. Micronics is believed to offer the most sophisticated and
rapid lab card prototyping facility in the world today. For additional
information please visit www.micronics.net.
For more information call Ron Wheet at (843) 971-4848 or visit the Centrex
website at www.centrexcorporation.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. We undertake no
obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in
this document should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that
affect our business. Those uncertainties are discussed in the Company's SEC
filings.
SOURCE: Centrex, Inc.
CONTACT: Centrex, Inc., Tulsa
Ron Wheet, 843-971-4848
www.centrexcorporation.com.
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KEYWORD: OKLAHOMA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PHARMACEUTICAL
MEDICAL
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