Co-Diagnostics Introduces Co-Dx PCR Platform and Co-Primers Technology

MEDICA has become the world's largest medical B2B trade fair, attracting 83,000 visitors and over 5,300 exhibitors from almost 70 countries. The company aims to use the opportunity to generate increased interest in its suite of PCR in vitro diagnostic and research products for infectious diseases and to introduce and promote its Co-Primers technology and applications to a wide audience of international attendees.

Co-Primers by Co-Diagnostics is a new class of primer technology that uses a novel architecture to help combat some common issues that can plague multiplex PCR. The unique Co-Primers design reduces primer dimer propagation. Co-Primers technology includes the use of cooperative primers sometimes in combination with other types of primers or probe designs, and is the first PCR technology of its kind to help prevent primer dimer propagation during nucleic acid amplification. In multiplexed reactions where large numbers of primers increase the probability of primer dimer formation, enhanced specificity is particularly important. In a traditional primer process, a pair of primers hybridizes with the sample DNA or RNA sequence and defines the region that will be amplified. In a Co-Primers process, the PCR primer is divided into two segments separated by a PEG (polyethylene glycol) linker. Both the capture sequence and the priming sequence must cooperate to bind to the DNA or RNA target to amplify the intended region. Primer dimers are not propagated because they cannot hybridize to the capture region.

The company's presentation on its upcoming Co-Dx PCR platform is titled "Advancing POC/OTC Diagnostics: Innovations in Test Development for the Co-Dx PCR Platform". The Co-Dx PCR testing platform aims to provide accessible, affordable PCR testing for all, transforming healthcare delivery and creating a positive impact on a global scale by democratizing access to molecular diagnostics. The instrument with dimensions of 6 ½” x 4 1/2” x 6” and weighing two pounds operates via a smartphone app with simple-to-follow instructions that include videos to walk users through every step, some sample swab collection to the straightforward instrument operation. Results are processed in the cloud and delivered back to the user’s smartphone or tablet in about 30 minutes using software designed from the ground up for this specific use. The PCR tests themselves (contained in the simple but unique, innovative test collection cups) are powered by Co-Primers PCR technology.

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