DNA ELECTRONICS

Company Overview

DNA Electronics (DNAe), founded in 2003 as a spinoff from Imperial College London, is developing infectious disease diagnostics based on novel NGS technology. The company invented a way of detecting protons released during DNA synthesis to enable DNA sequence detection using a standard silicon-chip-based transistor. This optics-free, label-free method shifted DNA sequencing from specialized, expensive genome centers into the mainstream of local labs and primary care clinics.

Since its foundation, DNAe has grown to encompass the vast range of disciplines required to build molecular interfaces and assays on a semiconductor platform. The company’s core competencies in electronic engineering, molecular biology, fluidics and chemistry make them a force to be reckoned with.

The company’s semiconductor sequencing technology, LiDia-SEQ, deliver rapid, actionable results direct-from-specimen by performing a range of genomic analyses, from highly multiplexed tests to powerful NGS.

In January 2015, DNAe acquired NanoMR Inc., a developer of technology for isolating rare cells in the bloodstream. The acquisition positions DNAe within the U.S. infectious diseases diagnostics market. It also allows a stronger diagnostic platform by combining NanoMR’s immunomagnetic Pathogen Capture System (PCS) with DNAe’s Genalysis PCR and semiconductor-based sequencing platforms.

The company’s main platforms are its Genalysis DNA sequencing and Pathogen Capture systems. The Genalysis sequencing system is based on lab-on-chip cartridges containing microfluidics systems and silicon biosensors. Applications for the Genalysis platform include DNA sequencing using hydrogen-ion detection, nucleic acid purification and SNP detection for diagnostics and applied markets.

The company’s initial diagnostic test identifies micro-organisms that cause blood infections leading to sepsis. The infectious disease market was identified as a target market because of the medical need for sensitive diagnostics that have a rapid turnaround, which fits well with DNAe’s platform.

DNAe’s proven semiconductor DNA sequencing technology is already licensed to Thermo Fisher and is the core of the Ion Torrent NGS systems as well as to Geneu, a company selling the world’s first in-store DNA test for personalized skincare.

Company's Business Segments

• Products : LiDia-SEQ, Semiconductor DNA sequencing, BSI/AMR test
• Services : Consulting services, Rapid diagnostics, Virus and cancer testing and monitoring