RainDance Technologies,
Inc., a provider of innovative droplet-based microfluidic solutions for
human health and disease research, today announced that the J. Craig Venter
Institute (JCVI), a not for profit genomic research organization located in
Rockville, MD and La Jolla, CA, will become an early access partner for its
new RDT 1000 instrument and Sequence Enrichment application.
Under the Early Access Partner program, RainDance delivers its RDT 1000 and
expert training to selected premier organizations in genomic research. RainDance
will also provide customized PCR primer libraries designed to selectively amplify
loci of interest for research initiatives at JCVI. "The program provides
an opportunity for some of the world's leading scientists in genomic research
to become experienced with our technology prior to our commercial launch,"
said Chris McNary, President and Chief Executive Officer of RainDance Technologies.
The RDT 1000 and Sequence Enrichment application utilizes RainDance's breakthrough
RainStorm(TM) droplet-based technology platform. The simplicity, speed, and
minute volume of the technology are designed to maximize the efficiency of JCVI's
next-generation DNA sequencing workflow. The RDT 1000 generates picoliter volume
PCR reactions at the rate of 10 million discrete reactions per hour. The high-speed
sample processing is further enhanced by the fact that the Sequence Enrichment
application utilizes a library of PCR primers in droplets enabling the amplification
of hundreds to thousands of genomic loci in a single tube. The RainStorm format
avoids limitations of traditional multiplex hybridization and amplification
technologies. The RainDance solution minimizes process-induced bias or error
and requires only a few micrograms of genomic DNA.
JCVI scientists "will incorporate the RainStorm application into the various
large-scale targeted sequencing studies as part of our on-going research programs
in human genomic medicine," said Robert L. Strausberg, Ph.D., Deputy Director
and Group Leader, Genomic Medicine, JCVI.
"We are looking forward to working closely with JCVI as they integrate
our technology to support their breakthrough research," McNary said. "We're
also anxiously anticipating the results of the performance of our technology
in their hands. It is our expectation their experience will further reinforce
the RainStorm technology platform's benefits in human health and disease research,"
he said.
"This expert experience will be invaluable as we prepare for our commercial
launch in the first quarter of 2009," McNary added.