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Uppsala, Sweden
August 28, 2001
Pyrosequencing AB
(OMX:PYROa.) a developer, manufacturer and marketer of DNA
sequencing systems for applied genetic analysis, today announced
that it has been issued two additional
U.S. patents covering the Company's Pyrosequencing(tm)
Technology. U.S. Patent No. 6,210,891 and U.S. Patent No.
6,258,568 broadly cover methods for DNA sequencing based on the
real-time detection of pyrophosphate and improvements in the
chemistry of Pyrosequencing's novel genetic analysis technology.
These patents complement and enhance the Company's existing
broad coverage for sequencing-by-synthesis, an automated method
for determining the base sequence
of either DNA or RNA.
"These two new patents provide further protection for our unique
chemistry and sequencing systems that are the essence of
Pyrosequencing(tm)," said Erik Wallden, CEO and President of
Pyrosequencing AB. "We now have strong coverage for our core
technologies and are continuing to build value for our platform
technology. In addition, we are developing new molecular
diagnostic product concepts that leverage our intellectual
property in cardiovascular and other therapeutic areas," he
added.
U.S. Patent 6,210,891 covers methods for sequencing DNA, where
the incorporation of bases (nucleotide triphosphates) is coupled
to the release of pyrophosphate (PPi) and its detection via a
light signal. PPi triggers a luciferin-luciferase based
enzymatic cascade that produces a light pulse proportional to
the amount of base incorporated. The sequencing or base
incorporation reactions can be continuously monitored because
the sequencing and detection are performed simultaneously as
part of the same process.
The second patent (6,258,568) covers an improved DNA sequencing
method that involves detecting pyrophosphate release as new
nucleotides are added to a growing DNA strand and then degrading
the unincorporated nucleotides through the addition of a
nucleotide-degrading enzyme. In order to perform rapid and
accurate sequencing without numerous wash steps, the
unincorporated nucleotides must be removed before addition of
the next nucleotides. The use of a nucleotide-degrading enzyme
facilitates rapid, accurate and convenient sequencing without
numerous wash steps. Additionally, the nucleotide-degrading
enzyme switches off the light reaction and allows the next
sequencing reaction to be initiated. The patent covers the
removal of these excess nucleotides with enzymes, such as
apyrase.
These new patents add to Pyrosequencing's strong intellectual
property position surrounding sequencing and DNA analysis
technologies, which includes a broad patent issued for
sequencing-by-synthesis using any detection method. The
sequencing-by-synthesis patent covers methods for determining
the sequence of DNA or RNA molecules by detecting the
incorporation or addition of specific nucleotides into a growing
strand of DNA or RNA. Nucleotides are added, like building
blocks, into the growing strand if they are complementary to the
unpaired nucleotide that exists in the template strand. A
polymerase enzyme helps add the nucleotides to this growing or
newly synthesized strand of DNA or RNA and this incorporation
can be detected using various methodologies.
Pyrosequencing AB develops, manufactures and sells complete
solutions for applied genetic analysis based on its proprietary
Pyrosequencing(tm) technology, a simple-to-use DNA sequencing
technique. In the post-genome era, Pyrosequencing's technology
has established the Company as one of the leading suppliers of
solutions for accurate, consistent DNA analysis in research
institutions and pharmaceutical, genomics and agbiotech
companies.
For the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the
PSQ(tm)96 System with SNP Software and Reagent Kits is used by
customers such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, the Harvard
Center for Cancer Prevention, the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), the Karolinska Institute and DuPont Agriculture. The
Company's Sequence Analysis Software and Reagent Kits together
with the PSQ 96 System are used for the identification of
gene-specific DNA sequences for applications such as bacterial
and viral typing where speed and ease of use are essential.
The Company is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden with North
American operations located in Westborough, Massachusetts.
Pyrosequencing AB also has sales offices and distribution
partners in Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Pyrosequencing AB is listed on the OM Stockholm Exchange. The
Company's web address is
www.pyrosequencing.com.
Company news release
N3749
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