ORLANDO, ASM ANNUAL MEETING (BOOTH #701), May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cepheid , a broad-based molecular diagnostics company, today introduced the GeneXpert(R) 16-Site System at the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. The latest addition to Cepheid's GeneXpert(R) family of real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) devices provides a high-throughput, fully-automated solution to deliver results quickly and efficiently to hospitals and laboratories.
While current molecular methods deliver highly sensitive, specific and rapid results compared to culture-based approaches, molecular biology labs generally run tests when a sufficient number of samples is reached to justify processing a batch. As a result, even though time of analysis is minutes or hours, effective turnaround time is often a day or more depending on the test. Batch processing is no longer the only option, as Cepheid's GeneXpert 16-Site System has the flexibility to run up to 16 different molecular tests simultaneously, with minimal hands-on time, thereby delivering the power of true on-demand testing. The GeneXpert System is expected to provide the molecular laboratory with the ability to start test runs anytime samples are collected-24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
"Cepheid's GeneXpert technology represents a true paradigm shift in the practical implementation of real-time PCR," said Cepheid CEO John Bishop. "No longer limited by batch processing protocols and laborious manual procedures, laboratorians can now have access to critical answers when they need them. In addition, laboratories will have a unique ability to run the exact same tests on a high through-put main lab system or on a desktop system in a satellite lab."
Cepheid's GeneXpert Systems are the first to combine sample preparation with real time PCR amplification and detection functions for fully integrated and automated nucleic acid analysis. The system purifies, concentrates, detects and identifies targeted nucleic acid sequences, delivering results in as little as one to two hours from unprocessed specimens.
The GeneXpert(R) 16-Site System is configurable from 4 to16 modules, allowing users to expand their system as demand for assays increase. The system boasts full random access capabilities performing multiple molecular tests simultaneously. The automated software eliminates the need for interpretation by users, which enables the laboratory to be more efficient with more tests.
Availability
Shipments of the GeneXpert 16-Site System are expected to begin in the 4th quarter of 2006. The system will support the current menu of tests available on the GeneXpert 4-Site System and all GeneXpert tests in the product pipeline.
About Cepheid
Cepheid , based in Sunnyvale, Calif., is a molecular diagnostics company that develops, manufactures, and markets fully-integrated systems for genetic analysis in the clinical, industrial and biothreat markets. The company's systems enable rapid, sophisticated genetic testing for organisms and genetic-based diseases by automating otherwise complex manual laboratory procedures. The company's easy-to-use systems integrate a number of complicated and time-intensive steps, including sample preparation, DNA amplification and detection, which enable the analysis of complex biological samples in its proprietary test cartridges. Through its strong molecular biology capabilities, the company is focusing on those applications where rapid molecular testing is particularly important, such as identifying infectious disease and cancer in the clinical market; food, agricultural, and environmental testing in the industrial market; and identifying bio-terrorism agents in the biothreat market. See www.cepheid.com for more information.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are not purely historical regarding Cepheid's or its management's intentions, beliefs, expectations and strategies for the future, including those relating to product performance and timing of product shipments and expansion in the clinical diagnostics market. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from the company's current expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties such as those relating to: development and manufacturing problems; our ability to successfully obtain regulatory approvals and introduce new products in the clinical market; customer acceptance of new products; the failure of products to perform as expected, whether due to manufacturing errors, defects or otherwise; the impact of competitive products and pricing; potentially lengthy sales cycles in some markets; and underlying market conditions worldwide. Readers should also refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Cepheid's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005 and in its most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, each filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
All forward-looking statements and reasons why results might differ included in this release are made as of the date of this press release, based on information currently available to Cepheid, and Cepheid assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement or reasons why results might differ.
CONTACTS: At the Company: John L. Bishop CEO, Cepheid 408-541-4191 john.bishop@cepheid.com John R. Sluis CFO, Cepheid 408-541-4191 john.sluis@cepheid.com At Financial Relations Board: Tricia Ross Investor/Analyst Information 617-520-7064 tross@financialrelationsboard.com At Schwartz Communications: Chris Stamm / Tom Bain 781-684-0770 cepheid@schwartz-pr.com
CepheidCONTACT: John L. Bishop CEO, john.bishop@cepheid.com, or John R. Sluis,CFO, john.sluis@cepheid.com, both of Cepheid, +1-408-541-4191,; orInvestor/Analyst Information, Tricia Ross of Financial Relations Board,+1-617-520-7064, tross@financialrelationsboard.com, for Cepheid; or ChrisStamm, or Tom Bain, both of Schwartz Communications, +1-781-684-0770,cepheid@schwartz-pr.com, for Cepheid
Web site: http://www.cepheid.com/