Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - Tuesday October 20, 1998
Viral load is a quantitative measurement of the number of HIV particles contained in an HIV-infected patient sample and is used as a tool to monitor the effectiveness of drug treatment regimes. The goal of current AIDS therapies is to maintain viral load at undetectable levels. Genotyping is a process of DNA sequencing that identifies mutations in HIV that confer resistance to drugs that might lead to rising viral loads.
Today a viral load assay must be carried out as a separate isolated test before a genotype assay can be performed. This patent describes a new technique that makes it possible to obtain the quantitative viral load information directly from the first part of the genotypic DNA sequencing assay making it possible to skip a separate viral load test. This combination has the potential to reduce time-to-result as well as the total assay cost.
"By combining viral load monitoring and genotyping into a single, integrated diagnostic test system, we have increased the speed at which a physician can get results back, and reduced the cost of the test," said John K. Stevens, CEO of Visible Genetics. "HIV is only one example of how this patent can be applied. It also covers many other disease areas such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Hepatitis B and C, and Tuberculosis. We will likely commercialize the combination HIV assay with a partner."
This is the 18th patent relating to clinical DNA sequencing technology and genotyping that has been allowed or issued by the US Patent Office to Visible Genetics. Thirty-two others are pending.
Visible Genetics Inc. manufactures and markets high performance automated DNA sequencing systems and complete diagnostic kits for the analysis of genes linked to disease. The Company's OpenGene system employs proprietary stratified DNA testing and single-tube, single-step sequencing methods to significantly reduce the time and cost involved in identifying clinically relevant genetic information. VGI is a leader in the emerging field of pharmacogenomics, which uses genetic information in the identification, analysis and treatment of medical conditions in order to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
SOURCE: Visible Genetics, Inc.
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PR981015
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