Cystic fibrosis research assays are the latest additions to Canon BioMedical's Novallele™ genotyping library

Twenty-one Novallele genotyping assays that detect distinct mutations of the CFTR gene are now available

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Mar 07, 2017, 09:13 ET

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and, over time, limits the ability to breathe. A defective gene, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, causes secretions that are normally slippery and thin to become sticky and viscous. The secretions build up in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the secretions clog the airways and trap bacteria, which leads to infections, extensive lung damage, and eventual respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the secretions prevent the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients. As an inherited disorder, mutations in the CFTR gene cause the disease; however, the severity of the disease depends on the actual gene mutation.

Canon BioMedical understands that researchers are performing important CFTR research, and we developed 21 Novallele genotyping assays to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and deletions within the CFTR gene. The Novallele genotyping assays detect genetic variations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis on any thermocycler capable of HRM. All Novallele genotyping assays are functionally verified and focus on genotypes relevant to genetic researchers working to improve health and advance science.

"We are excited to launch these new CFTR assays and add them to our Novallele genotyping assay library," states Akiko Tanaka, CEO of Canon BioMedical. "Cystic fibrosis directly affects the quality of life of thousands of people, and we can only hope that our technologies will contribute to understanding this complex disease and assist with the ongoing therapeutic research."

Complete details about the entire Novallele genotyping assays are available at www.canon-biomedical.com. In addition, Canon BioMedical will present the Novallele genotyping library at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics 2017 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 21, 2017. Find us at Booth 412 in the exhibit hall to discover more about our new assays focused on cystic fibrosis research.

About Canon BioMedical

Canon BioMedical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., is focused on empowering the biomedical research and healthcare communities by developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative technologies and solutions. The technologies and solutions developed will help enable clinicians and scientists to improve our health and advance science. Canon BioMedical will continue to pursue innovative solutions in line with Canon's Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility through the use of existing and emerging Canon technology as well as strategic partnerships.

Products mentioned in this release are for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.