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Seegene Introduces Breakthrough DNA Test to Simultaneously Detect 18 Different Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs)

Seegene today introduced its Seeplex® 18-plex Genotyping Test, a novel diagnostic test capable of simultaneously detecting 18 different Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) in a single test -- 13 high-risk strains (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68), and five low-risk strains (6, 11, 42, 43 and 44). Seegene will be showcasing the new Seeplex® 18-plex test at the 2007 AACC Annual Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in San Diego, July 15-19, at booth 4648.

The Seeplex® 18-plex Test is simply performed with one multiplex PCR in a single tube and capillary electrophoresis for automated detection of HPVs. The test uses Seegene's proprietary DPO™ (Dual Priming Oligo) primer system, ensuring test reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity.

"Cervical cancer, caused by HPV, kills nearly 300,000 women annually worldwide. It is well established that specific types of HPV cause most cervical neoplasia and cancer and each type of high risk HPV initiate different relative risks for cervical cancer. Therefore, to effectively diagnose and treat HPV, clinical healthcare professionals need new tests capable of detecting many HPV DNA and HPV DNA sub-types," said Jong-Yoon Chun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Seegene. "The Seeplex® 18-plex HPV Genotyping Test is that new test, and it represents the highly advanced of HPV DNA test by detecting 18 different HPV types accurately and rapidly."

The Seeplex® 18-plex HPV Test is a breakthrough testing system that can amplify only specific analytes without any cross reactivity and provides automated test results using size analysis. In contrast, current HPV diagnostics testing only provides "Yes/ No screening" and a high percentage of cross-reactivity requiring repeat or additional testing to gain confident results. Even though other HPV genotyping tests, such as Linear Array HPV genotyping, are able to determine various HPV sub-types, they are limited by their high cost and laborious, time-consuming steps not conducive to an efficient and effective HPV screening regimen.

Jong-Yoon Chun, added, "The Seeplex® 18-plex HPV DNA Test establishes a new standard for accurate, rapid and cost effective HPV diagnostic testing. Next month, we will roll out other Seeplex®-based diagnostic tests including a 40-plex HPV Genotyping, 23-plex Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 27-plex Respiratory Pathogens, 22-plex Mycobacteria, and 20-plex Blood Screening for Sepsis. We believe that our Seeplex® testing system will open a new window in molecular diagnostics by providing precise information of infected pathogens at the earliest possible stage."

Seegene is currently exploring exclusive licensing partnerships for the new Seeplex® HPV diagnostics test.

About Seegene

Seegene, Inc. is a biotechnology company specialized in molecular diagnostics and research applications. It holds a novel detection platform named "Seeplex®," which sets a standard in high-throughput and simultaneous multi-pathogen detection called "multiplexing" in the molecular diagnostics market. Seeplex® technology accurately detects multi-pathogens with high-throughput speed, ultimately providing the most economical basis for saving time, labor and cost. Seegene develops, manufactures and markets innovative molecular diagnostic products and services to a worldwide community. The company has more than 47 distributors in 28 countries, including 2 subsidiary offices in the US and India. Its mission is to maintain leadership in molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and oncology, and chromosomal analyses using innovative proprietary technologies. For more information please visit www.seegene.com or call +301-762-9066.