Exiqon A/S, a leading supplier of high-value products for gene expression analysis, and Asuragen, Inc. a fully integrated molecular diagnostics company, have signed a Service Centre Agreement, allowing Asuragen to provide real-time PCR services based on Exiqon’s miRCURY LNA Universal RT microRNA PCR products.

The Asuragen Genomic Services Division provides a comprehensive range of nucleic acid-based services from biomarker discovery to development of companion diagnostics (isolation/ preparation from multiple sample types, genomic profiling, miRNA/ mRNA expression profiling, assay development and validation, CLIA-based clinical trial testing, bioinformatics, and regulatory services).

LNA-based microRNA real-time PCR profiling holds great promise as a non-invasive way to discover important new biomarkers for a wide range of diseases and biological processes. Exiqon’s microRNA real-time PCR system combines a Universal RT reaction with LNA-enhanced PCR primers, which results in unmatched sensitivity and specificity for all sample types.

“Exiqon’s high quality microRNA PCR products allow us to further expand our service offerings to meet the needs of our pharmaceutical and diagnostic partners,” said Carol Berry, senior vice president & GM of Asuragen Genomic Services Division.

In a comment, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing, Henrik Pfundheller of Exiqon said, “We are honoured and excited to support Asuragen on the discovery of novel microRNA biomarkers” and added, “Asuragen are experts in their own right in the field of microRNA and this is a great opportunity for us to expand our presence in the US market.”

Asuragen is focused on oncology and companion diagnostics with special capabilities in the area of miRNA.