- Oragene®●Dx saliva collection kits to provide reliable
DNA samples for Helix -
BETHLEHEM, Pa., Nov. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSUR), a leader in point of care diagnostic
tests and specimen collection devices, announced today that Helix, the personal genomics company, has selected the
Oragene®●Dx device to provide reliable self-collection of DNA samples to be used in a genetic
information discovery service offered by Helix for consumers. OraSure’s wholly-owned subsidiary, DNA Genotek, will supply the
Oragene®●Dx device and will also provide kit fulfillment and logistics services for Helix
through its GenoFIND offering.
Helix provides a secure and affordable means for consumers to access data and information about their DNA, through uniquely
personalized applications created by Helix partners. The Oragene®●Dx collector will be used
to collect saliva samples from consumers and those samples will be sequenced in Helix’s lab. Customers will then be able to access
DNA-powered insights in products and experiences created by Helix partners—including well-known clinical and consumer brands—in the
areas of health, fitness, genealogy, family planning, lifestyle, and nutrition.
“Reliable and easy-to-use sample collection is a key part of our offering. The ability to collect a high quality DNA sample for
next generation sequencing is critical to ensuring accurate results for our customers,” said Dr. James Lu, Co-founder & Senior Vice
President of Applied Genomics at Helix. “DNA Genotek is a leader in its field, and we are excited to work with them to bring
customers an efficient experience right from the start.”
"We are pleased that Helix has selected both our saliva collection kits and GenoFIND services to support their offering. Their
vision and approach to empowering every person to improve their life through DNA is truly innovative and we are excited that
Oragene®●Dx will be an integral part of the Helix customer experience,” said Brian Smith,
Senior Vice President and General Manager at DNA Genotek.
Oragene®●Dx is an all-in-one system for the easy self-collection and stabilization of DNA
from saliva. The device allows for ambient temperature storage and transportation and provides a liquid sample to enable high
throughput automated processing in a laboratory. Oragene®●Dx is the first and only DNA
collection and stabilization device to receive 510(k) clearance in the USA. GenoFIND offers a complete suite of genomics and
microbiome services from study design through bioinformatics analysis and interpretation.
Oragene®●Dx is FDA 510(k) cleared for in vitro diagnostic use with the eSensor® Warfarin
Sensitivity Saliva Test.
About DNA Genotek
DNA Genotek Inc., a subsidiary of OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSUR), focuses on providing high-quality biological sample
collection products and end-to-end services for human genomics, microbiome and infectious disease applications. The Company's
Oragene®•Dx and ORAcollect®•Dx product lines are the first and only FDA
510(k) cleared saliva-based DNA collection devices for in vitro diagnostic use. DNA Genotek also offers Research Use Only products
to collect and preserve large amounts of DNA or RNA from multiple sample types. DNA Genotek markets its products worldwide and has
a global customer base with thousands of customers in over 100 countries. For more information about DNA Genotek, visit www.dnagenotek.com.
About OraSure Technologies
OraSure Technologies is a leader in the development, manufacture and distribution of point of care diagnostic and collection
devices and other technologies designed to detect or diagnose critical medical conditions. Its first-to-market, innovative products
include rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to HIV and HCV on the OraQuick® platform, oral fluid sample collection,
stabilization and preparation products for molecular diagnostic applications, and oral fluid laboratory tests for detecting various
drugs of abuse. OraSure's portfolio of products is sold globally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics,
community-based organizations and other public health organizations, research and academic institutions, distributors, government
agencies, physicians' offices, commercial and industrial entities and consumers. The Company's products enable healthcare providers
to deliver critical information to patients, empowering them to make decisions to improve and protect their health. For more
information on OraSure Technologies, please visit www.orasure.com.
Ronald H. Spair Chief Financial Officer 610-882-1820 Investorinfo@orasure.com Ron Ticho SVP, Corporate Communications 484-353-1575 media@orasure.com
