MADISON, Wis. July 2, 2001 Scientists at Third Wave Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: TWTI) have validated a technological breakthrough with the potential to revolutionize the analysis of gene expression for research and clinical applications including genome research, drug development and disease monitoring.

Third Waves Invader technology is capable of identifying and quantitating low levels of unique RNAs directly from total RNA or crude cell samples called cell lysates, according to findings published in the July issue of Nature Biotechnology. Direct detection of gene expression levels with Invader technology eliminates several costly, time-consuming steps required by other technologies and minimizes the risk of sample contamination.

"The ability to analyze for RNA easily and directly, without complicated procedures that can contaminate the sample, is a significant advance in RNA detection technology and the efforts to understand diseases and develop drugs to treat them," said Lance Fors, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Third Wave Technologies.

Key Findings Reported in Nature Biotechnology: RNA Invader Assay

• Direct Detection. The RNA Invader assay enables identification and quantitation directly from total RNA or crude cell lysate samples prepared using a simple and inexpensive process. Many RNA tests require high-purity RNA purification, often in combination with time-consuming and expensive multi-step preparation of the RNA samples before they can be tested. A method known as RT-PCR is among the most commonly used. It includes RNA purification, transcription of the RNA to its DNA complement and creation of additional copies of the DNA again and again prior to detection. RT-PCR methods are inherently less accurate than direct RNA detection and test results can be skewed by sample contamination.
• Accuracy and Precision. The RNA Invader assay is capable of detecting changes in gene expression levels as
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Contact: Beth Preston
epreston@fkhealth.com
617-761-6739
Feinstein Kean Healthcare
2-Jul-2001


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