OpGen Launches First "Superbug" Molecular Screening Test to Identify Seven Critical Antibiotic Resistant Genes

GAITHERSBURG, Md., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- OpGen, Inc., a Gaithersburg based molecular diagnostics company, announced today that it has launched a new molecular-based test that can quickly and reliably identify patients at risk for harboring serious disease-causing microbes that can resist even the strongest antibiotics. The Acuitas™ MDRO Gene Test is a comprehensive molecular screening tool that can directly detect as many as seven genes from one patient sample, and will help hospitals and public health officials combat some of the most critical multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) threatening patients in healthcare facilities. 

"Drug-resistant 'superbugs' pose a serious and immediate threat to the world's health and safety increasing the likelihood of prolonged illnesses, higher costs – even death," said Evan Jones, Chairman and CEO, OpGen, Inc. "The new Acuitas MDRO Gene Test makes MDRO screening more efficient and cost-effective by delivering comprehensive, precise and actionable information to healthcare practitioners within 24 hours, assisting them in their efforts to combat and prevent the spread of these complex and potentially life-threatening infections."

Unlike current microbe detection methods based on growing cells in laboratory culture (a process that can take up to four days and can miss patients at risk for being colonized), the Acuitas test uses highly sensitive molecular technology to detect antibiotic resistant genes within 24 hours.  It can distinguish specific genes that may aid in therapeutic guidance. Molecular technologies have been shown to have sensitivity greater than 95 percent, better assuring that at-risk patients are not missed.  

"The Acuitas MDRO Gene Test is a significant development in our efforts to maintain the safety of patients against multi-drug resistant organisms.  The strength of this technology is based on the more accurate genomic approach to the detection of highly transmissible genes as opposed to traditional bacterial culture.  In addition, it can help to identify those patients who harbor MDROs, which may increase their risk for infection," said James W. Snyder, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

"This test will provide the most comprehensive and precise MDRO information in the shortest time with an aim to improve antibiotic stewardship programs, increase the effectiveness of infection and outbreak prevention, and improve patient outcomes," said Terry Walker, Ph.D., Vice President, R&D, OpGen, Inc.

The Acuitas MDRO Gene Test is currently performed at the CLIA-certified OpGen Clinical Services Laboratory in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

OpGen to Host Satellite Symposium at American Society of Microbiology Annual Meeting in Boston on May 19, 2014

OpGen is scheduled to share details about the Acuitas MDRO Gene Test and to discuss the need for and benefits of the test with key opinion leaders at the American Society of Microbiology Annual Meeting, being held May 17-20 in Boston. The company will hold a symposium entitled, "Addressing Antimicrobial Resistant Organisms," on May 19 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel.

Antibiotic Resistance and the Dangers to Public Health
Each year, more than two million Americans get infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Of those, up to 23,000 die. The Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) reports that infections caused by drug resistant gram-negative bacteria are increasing and preservation of the limited supply of effective antibiotics is only possible through strong antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention programs. Infections with superbugs such as CRE have spread rapidly throughout the world in the past decade with prevalence increasing throughout the Far East, the Middle East, Europe, South America and North America, leaving some regions in endemic states.

About The Acuitas MDRO Gene Test
The Acuitas MDRO Gene Test uses DNA amplification and detection technology to detect genes associated with some of the world's most deadly bacteria. Among these bacteria are carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) containing KPC, NDM-1, and OXA-48 genes. They are resistant to nearly all antibiotics including carbapenems, a broad spectrum class of antibiotics considered to be the last resort for serious gram-negative bacterial infections. In critical care settings, death rates from KPC patients often exceed 50 percent. In 2013, The Centers for Disease Control (the CDC) identified CRE infection as an urgent public health threat requiring immediate and aggressive action.

About OpGen, Inc.
OpGen, Inc., a Gaithersburg, MD based molecular diagnostics company, is addressing the growing public health threat of antibiotic resistance and multi drug resistant organisms (MDROs) by delivering precise, actionable information to help identify, combat, and prevent the spread of complex infections that jeopardize the health of patients in health care settings. Learn more about OpGen and the Acuitas™ MDRO Gene Test at www.opgen.com.

SOURCE OpGen, Inc.