Imperial College London Spin-out DNA Electronics Wins For “SNP Dr” Real-Time Gene Testing Innovation

DNA Electronics Ltd, a developer of disposable, real-time gene testing at the point-of-care, has been named as the winner of the prestigious R&D prize at the Elektra09 European Electronics Industry Awards. DNA Electronics, a spin-out of Imperial College London, triumphed from a shortlist of five other finalists to be named winner by an independent panel of judges in recognition of its innovative technology and intellectual property strategy. The Elektra09 award ceremony was held on Tuesday 1st December 2009 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

DNA Electronics’ SNP Dr (pronounced ‘snip doctor’) is a breakthrough silicon chip-based handheld device that offers fast and accurate spot test results for specific DNA sequences that indicate how patients are likely to respond to prescription drugs. The device is now being trialed in partnership with global pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Each year, the NHS spends £460 million to treat 250,000 patients admitted to hospital suffering adverse reactions to prescribed medication. A test to identify people likely to react badly to prescribed medication will enable doctors to tailor dosages to the individual needs of patients, bringing greatly improved treatment and massive potential cost savings to healthcare providers.

DNA Electronics was co-founded by the inventor of the foundation technology, Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, who is CEO of the company and director and chief scientist at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London. The core technology is based upon switching transistors on and off with DNA, which has culminated in the world’s first DNA logic on standard CMOS technology.

The annual Elektra Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and companies across the European electronics industry. The judging panel said of DNA Electronics’ submission: “This was the strongest set of finalists the Elektras has ever seen for the R&D Award. The winner impressed for quality of its basic research in an emerging area of electronics design.”
Commenting on the award win, Professor Toumazou added: “We are absolutely delighted to have won an Elektra award in recognition of this ground-breaking and important innovation. The cost-effective and convenient testing enabled by the SNP Dr device will allow doctors to assess patients in the GP surgery and prescribe optimal dosages and treatments on-the-spot – without a lengthy and costly laboratory analysis. This award reflects the exceptional talent of the team at DNA Electronics who are now bringing this technology to commercial fruition.”
Please visit the Elektra Awards website for full details of award winners: http://www.elektraawards.co.uk/

About SNP Dr
The SNP Dr works by analysing genetic variations found in DNA called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs are the parts of human DNA that make us all respond differently to disease, bacteria, viruses, toxins or medication. Each year, the NHS spends £460 million to treat 250,000 patients who are admitted to hospital suffering adverse reactions to prescribed medication.

The SNP Dr works by analysing the DNA in saliva or cheek swab samples, which are placed in a cartridge and exposed to the silicon chip sensors inside the device. A copy of the fast or slow metabolic SNPs is contained in the chip. If they detect a match, a message is displayed on the SNP Dr’s console. The doctor can then assess their patient in the GP surgery, without a lengthy and costly laboratory analysis, and prescribe dosages and treatments accordingly.

About DNA Electronics (http://www.dnae.co.uk)
DNA Electronics is a consumer-focused company with a scaleable technology. DNA Electronics (DNAe) is developing disposable silicon chip-based solutions for real-time gene sequence detection at point-of-care.

All living things are defined by their genetic code – from the unique identity of a bacteria or virus to the physical and biological traits of humans. Gene tests can be used to determine how a patient will respond to certain drug treatments; the cause of an illness; a person’s genetic predisposition to disease; and environmental or food contamination. Traditionally however, gene tests can only be carried out in a laboratory by skilled personnel.

DNAe’s silicon-based platform technology delivers fast and accurate handheld gene test solutions with all the appeal of consumer electronics: anytime anywhere. This presents disruptive new opportunities in diagnostics, data capture and therapy.

PRESS CONTACT for DNA Electronics:
Nicky Denovan
EvokedSet
Email: nicky[@]evokedset[dot]com
Tel: +44 (0)844 870 8025
Mobile: +44 (0)7747 017654