Exclusive distribution agreement with Asuragen

PROGEN Biotechnik GmbH has signed an exclusive distribution contract for Germany with the U.S.A. based Asuragen Inc., a company focused on personalized medicine and companion diagnostics in the field of oncology and human genetics. PROGEN is now in a position to further expand its product line of multiplexed assays enabling the detection of mutations often found in solid tumors, such as KRAS or BRAF, and fusion transcripts or mutations associated with specific leukemia types or subtypes. These assays incorporate Signature® technology which is optimized for the rapid multiplex analysis of nucleic acid sequences in a single reaction, thus enhancing operational efficiencies through reduced costs and streamlined workflow. The signature® reagents are adapted for use on the Luminex® platform.

Additionally, PROGEN offers now two state-of-the-art PCR technologies, developed by Asuragen, for molecular characterization of the trinucleotide repeat in the 5’ region of the fragile X mental retardation (FMR1) gene for routine screening testing. The highly sensitive and time-saving assay is suited for the detection of FMR1 mutations in pre- and postnatal diagnosis and allows initiating early measures for improvement of the living conditions of the patients.

PROGEN is thereby extending its product line of biomarker/molecular diagnostics, and Luminex®-based tests for further assays. Thus, the company is consequently pursuing its strategy to offer a broad portfolio of own developed tests as well as products from other manufacturers.