DiaCarta Enters a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to Develop Cancer Tests based on its Novel XNA Technology

PLEASANTON, Calif., Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DiaCarta Inc., a precision molecular diagnostics company and leading developer of novel oncology tests using liquid biopsy today announced that the company, under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, will collaborate on the evaluation and development of DiaCarta's proprietary xeno-nucleic acid (XNA) molecular clamping technology. NCI and DiaCarta will collaborate on the following projects: (1) the investigation of low frequency mutation events in cancers and rare diseases using DiaCarta's proprietary xeno-nucleic acid (XNA) molecular clamping technology, and (2) the development of XNA probes for in situ cancer cell detection. The duration of the CRADA will be 2 years from the effective start date.

DiaCarta's proprietary XNA based Molecular Clamping Technology uses innovative synthetic Xenonucleic acid molecular oligomers that hybridize with only target wild-type DNA sequences. The XNA oligomers act as molecular clamps that by blocking the wild-type sequences, only enables the accurate amplification of mutant sequences using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR).

"We are extremely pleased at this opportunity to collaborate with our esteemed colleagues at the NCI and are looking forward to our work together. Accurate and efficient amplification of mutant sequences, most of which are present in extremely low frequency, is an unmet need across various disease states, including hard to diagnose cancers," said Aiguo (Adam) Zhang, CEO of DiaCarta. "DiaCarta's XNA Molecular Clamping Technology allows clean, targeted amplification of mutants, thereby providing an essential solution. We are excited to expand and develop it further across other indications through our partnership."

"NCI's mission is to lead, conduct, and support cancer research across the nation to advance scientific knowledge and help all people live longer, healthier lives." Dr. Zhuang, Senior Investigator in the Neuro-Oncology Branch at NCI's Center for Cancer Research, said: "To achieve such a goal and overcome the challenges of precision diagnosis of cancers we have to explore a variety of platforms."

Principal Investigator on the collaboration, Dr. Hongjun (Harry) Yang, SVP of Companion Diagnostics at DiaCarta pointed out "With ever changing and new mutations emerging daily, detecting these rare cancers is a challenging task. DiaCarta's XNA technology shows promise in error-free sequencing, and we are extremely excited to work with the top scientists at NCI/NIH to explore XNA's full potential and develop it further. This collaboration will allow us to take this technology to new heights of innovative applications. This CRADA will symbolize the start of the next generation of companion diagnostics."

About DiaCarta Inc.
DiaCarta is a molecular diagnostics company that has developed innovative technologies that transform patient care by providing effective precision diagnostics using liquid biopsy. In addition to its FDA EUA approved QuantiVirusTM SARS-CoV-2 Tests, DiaCarta offers a range of testing services, from single-gene QClamp® qPCR tests to its OptiSeq™ XNA-NGS panels. The company is well positioned as a leader in the new 'liquid biopsy' In Vitro Diagnostics field with high-precision detection of ctDNA. Its novel XNA technology provides high level of sensitivity as it clamps the wild-type sequence and amplifies the mutant target sequence. Using this technology, the company has developed its highly sensitive, early detection ColoScape™ Colorectal Cancer test using blood. Powered by its SuperbDNA™ technology that provides high level of detection by amplifying the signal and requiring no RNA/DNA extraction or amplification, the company has developed its revolutionary RadTox™ test that personalizes radiation therapy, mitigates adverse events, and enhances patient care. Based in Pleasanton, California the company is ISO certified, GMP-compliant and offers CLIA certified laboratory services to its customers. www.diacarta.com.

Contacts:
Corporate
Ram Vairavan, Ph.D.
SVP of BD
[email protected] 
760-402-6335

Media
Olipriya Das, Ph.D.
Russo Partners 
[email protected]
646-942-5588

SOURCE DiaCarta Inc.