Renishaw Diagnostics enables customised
multiplex assays for precious research samples
Glasgow, Scotland, February 2011
Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd, a world leading provider of trace level detection technologies based on the
exploitation of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface enhanced resonance Raman
scattering (SERRS), for research and molecular diagnostics applications, today announced the launch
of its first research use only (RUO) multiplex assay system which allows precious research samples to
be ‘screened’ for 10 or more ‘targets’, from a single sample.
Jim Greaves, Head of Marketing said “We are very excited about this product launch and delighted to
see the results of our R&D efforts coming to market. This product will bring a new dimension to the
work of many scientists across a range of disciplines, offering them a very sensitve, specific and flexible
tool to screen for numerous targets in a single assay. The RUO product launch is a truly transformative
technology introduction, in advance of our fully regulated RenDxTM platform for human diagnostics that
is in advanced stages of development. We have presented the results of some of our research with
collaboration partners at a number of scientific conferences worldwide and received excellent feedback
from healthcare providers.”
The RenDx™ RUO multiplex assay system is a novel platform that allows researchers to generate
rapid, multiplex screens for their own targets of interest. Using patented technologies and supported by
a team of field- and laboratory-based application specialists, the RenDx™ RUO system can be
configured to support customers own individual research.
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The 3-stage process utilises established extraction and amplification platforms and is fully compatible
with standard laboratory techniques and equipment. This makes the step up to high sensitivity multiplex
detection simple and seamless.
The RenDx™ RUO system has a number of advantages over existing screening methods, including:
• Multiplex analysis – up to 10 targets from a single sample
• High sensitivity and specificity
• Rapid analysis – sample to result within hours
• Culture independent – analysis direct from the sample
• Sample matrix independent – simply extract DNA/RNA from any biological sample
and this transformative technology is also applicable to a wide range of research interests such as:
• Clinical research – e.g. for multiple infectious disease targets in humans and animals
• Pharmaceutical – e.g. biomarkers for antibiotic resistance
• Food & drink – e.g. pathogens; genetically modified ingredients
• Environmental – e.g. water monitoring
The platform has 3 components: a reagents kit which contains the materials required to process 100
assays; a purpose-built robotic sample processor with a simple touchscreen interface, designed to allow
user-free operation while performing the RenDx™ assays; and an analyser utilising a highly sensitive
form of spectroscopy known as surface enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) which
performs multiplex detection and automated analysis of a wide range of samples with a high degree of
sensitivity and specificity.
About Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd
Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd, formerly D3 Technologies Ltd, was a Strathclyde University spin-out before
being acquired by the Renishaw Group, which is a leading global supplier of engineering technologies,
medical devices and Raman spectroscopy systems. It is focused on developing and commercialising its
first in vitro diagnostic (IVD) and clinical research products, with the goal of establishing Renishaw
Diagnostics as the premium provider of automated, multiplex, high sensitivity molecular diagnostics
products for the detection of human infectious diseases. The Company is based in Glasgow, Scotland,
and further information is available at www.renishawdiagnostics.com.
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