Seegene, Inc., a developer of multiplex PCR technologies, has been issued a United States Patent, No. 8,809,239, for its tagging oligonucleotide capture and extension (TOCE) technology, which enables highly multiplexed target amplification and detection in a single tube. TOCE technology is now IP protected in the U.S., Korea, Singapore, and South Africa, with a European patent expected in early 2015. The receipt of this U.S. patent is a significant milestone ahead of Seegene's planned entry into the U.S.
“Our expanded patent portfolio provides critical support to our planned FDA submissions and potential collaborations with global in-vitro diagnostics companies,” says Jong-Yoon Chun, PhD, founder, CTO and CEO of Seegene. “We expect our first U.S. FDA clearance for a TOCE-based herpes simplex virus (HSV) I and II assay in 2015. In addition, we intend to further accelerate corporate growth by collaborating with global IVD players, such as Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, with whom we have closed a long-term global ODM supply agreement.”
Since TOCE technology was introduced in 2012, Seegene has commercialized seven TOCE-based Anyplex II assays and obtained Korea FDA approvals and CE Marks for those tests. Seegene is also actively expanding its global presence by distributing Anyplex II assays to molecular laboratories worldwide through distributors in 56 countries.
“In support of our mission to support the good health of humanity, Seegene is committed to the ongoing development of novel PCR chemistry technologies that enable faster, more accurate, and cost-effective molecular diagnostics,” adds Dr. Chun. Learn more about Seegene TOCE technology.
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