Integrated Genetics Lab Services Conducting COVID-19 Testing in Spain Utilizing Fluidigm Biomark HD Platform
Fluidigm Corporation (Nasdaq: FLDM) has been selected by Spanish health authorities to enhance SARS-CoV-2 testing. Integrated Genetics Lab Services (iGLS) will utilize Fluidigm's microfluidics technology on the Biomark™ HD system, aiming to increase testing capacity to 6,000 tests daily. This initiative is supported by a grant from the Valencian government and began screening in early June. The technology offers significant throughput and cost advantages, making it suitable for large-scale testing, which is crucial as the need for effective COVID-19 testing persists in Spain.
- Selected by Spanish health authorities to increase COVID-19 testing capacity.
- iGLS's testing program supported by a Valencian government grant.
- Capacity to conduct up to 6,000 tests per day using the Fluidigm Biomark HD system.
- Fluidigm technology offers significant throughput and cost advantages.
- None.
iGLS Among Labs Chosen by Spanish Health Authorities to Expand SARS-CoV-2 Screening
End-to-End Workflow from Extraction through Real-Time PCR Using Fluidigm Microfluidics Technology and Reagents
Screening of Critical Populations Under Way, Capacity of Up to 6,000 Tests Per Day on Single Instrument
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluidigm Corporation (Nasdaq:FLDM), an innovative biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight, today announced that Integrated Genetics Lab Services (iGLS), a leading provider of advanced and integrated genetic services for reproductive medicine, is among the companies chosen by Spanish health authorities to expand SARS-CoV-2 screening in the Spanish population. iGLS is utilizing Fluidigm® microfluidics technology and reagents in a COVID-19 testing workflow designed to be run on the Fluidigm Biomark™ HD system.
The nasopharyngeal swab-based COVID-19 test is intended to increase testing capacity for patients, health care workers and employee populations across Spain. iGLS received a grant from the local Valencian government to support its testing program and began screening in early June.
“Supporting our first responders in Spain and their patients as well as organizations and employers with COVID-19 testing are the goals of our program,” said Dr. Jon Aizpurua, MD, PhD, President and CEO of iGLS. “While the rate of infection has moderated in Spain, scalable, cost-effective and accurate testing is more critical than ever. The Fluidigm integrated fluidic circuit technology, reagents and workflow are ideally suited to this task.”
COVID-19 testing on the Fluidigm Biomark HD provides throughput and cost advantages that reduce the impact of capacity‑constrained supply chains. The company’s microfluidics technology enables processing of more samples per batch and uses a fraction of expensive testing reagents per sample as compared to more traditional, microwell plate-based PCR technology.
“Labs in many part of the world are seeing the unique value proposition of Fluidigm technology to provide testing infrastructure that offers speed, scale and automation,” said Chris Linthwaite, President and CEO of Fluidigm. “In addition to growing adoption of our technology for COVID-19 testing in the United States, labs in other regions of the globe are utilizing Fluidigm microfluidics for ultrahigh-throughput screening, which is particularly relevant in countries with high infection rates.
“Fluidigm supports multiple approaches to COVID-19 testing, having recently filed for Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for an extraction-free saliva-based test to detect COVID-19,” Linthwaite said. “Getting the global economy back to work will require testing on a major scale. The capacity of a single Biomark HD system supports up to 6,000 tests per day and more than 2 million annual tests.
“We are honored to have been chosen by iGLS to increase critically needed COVID-19 testing capacity in Spain.”
About Fluidigm
Fluidigm (Nasdaq:FLDM) focuses on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy. Using proprietary CyTOF® and microfluidics technologies, we develop, manufacture, and market multi-omic solutions to drive meaningful insights in health and disease, identify biomarkers to inform decisions, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies. Our customers are leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and plant and animal research laboratories worldwide. Together with them, we strive to increase the quality of life for all. For more information, visit fluidigm.com. Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, Biomark, and CyTOF are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Available Information
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Forward-Looking Statements for Fluidigm
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding the adoption of Fluidigm microfluidics technology for COVID-19 testing and its anticipated benefits. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to risks relating to the potential adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic on our business and operating results during 2020; our ability and/or the ability of the research institutions utilizing our products and technology to obtain EUA FDA and any other requisite approvals to use our products and technology for diagnostic testing purposes; challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; risks relating to company research and development and distribution plans and capabilities; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, Fluidigm products; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; and competition. Information on these and additional risks and uncertainties and other information affecting Fluidigm business and operating results is contained in Fluidigm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.
Media:
Mark Spearman
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
650 243 6621
mark.spearman@fluidigm.com
Investors:
Agnes Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
650 416 7423
agnes.lee@fluidigm.com
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