Ottawa's DNA Genotek said its saliva-based Oragene DNA collection kit has been chosen for Los Angeles-based Existence Genetics's newly launched service that will provide patients and their health-care providers with a genetic report, outlining diseases that a person has a higher likelihood of getting and preventive measures to either avoid the disease altogether or significantly decrease its impact on the patient.
"We chose to use the Oragene DNA saliva-based collection kit because of its high quality, and because it is specifically designed to work effectively for all types of patients," said Existence Genetics CEO Dr. Brandon Colby in a statement. "Ease of DNA sample collection is critical for predictive medicine and Oragene DNA has proven to be very robust. It is also easy for patients to access and use at home or at point of care."
DNA Genotek's technology provide an alternative to traditional blood sample and buccal swab collection, with the kits allowing for the non-invasive collection, stabilization, transportation and purification of saliva samples for DNA analysis. The product's customers include researchers from Harvard, Cambridge, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
"Our company's primary objective is to deliver high-quality sample collection products that allow our customers to focus on understanding disease, disease prevention and personalized treatment. Existence Genetics's predictive medicine service will help individuals understand the impact their genes have on their health, allowing them to effectively implement preventive efforts," noted DNA Genotek CEO Ian Curry.
