Exiqon releases new advanced bioinformatics tools for custom design of microRNA assays based on real-time PCR and mRNA assays by in situ hybridization

Exiqon A/S (NASDAQ OMX: EXQ), a leading supplier of high-value gene expression
analysis products, today announced the extension of the miRCURY™ LNA microRNA
PCR product line with the launch of a novel bioinformatics software for the
design of custom qPCR assays for microRNA quantification. 

The new on-line microRNA qPCR assay design software supports the need for
assays designed against customers' own proprietary microRNAs. As next
generation sequencing is gaining market acceptance, more customers need to
verify microRNAs discovered by sequencing. Exiqon is now able to address this
need by offering custom assays based on LNA™ (Locked Nucleic Acid) enabled
real-time PCR. 

“The new bioinformatics tool combine the power of the LNA™ detection technology
and many years of experience at Exiqon in the design of LNA™-enhanced assays”,
said Vice President Sales & Marketing Henrik M. Pfundheller and added: “An
advanced algorithm evaluates in less than 2 minutes more than 3000 primer pair
designs based on more than 60 different design criteria to find the best LNA™
primer pairs for optimal performance”. 

Exiqon today also launched new software for the design of LNA™ probes for mRNA
detection by in situ hybridization. The new mRNA Detection probe software
designs LNA™ probes for mRNA in situ hybridization. Using this approach,
researchers can avoid working with the time-consuming and costly generation of
ribo-probes. Based on mRNA target sequence, the advanced software will within 1
minute evaluate more than 5000 designs based on over 20 design criteria. 

“In the recent years we have observed an increasing interest in using
LNA™-enhanced probes for mRNA in situ hybridization. With the new software our
customers can design LNA™ probes in a fast and easy way and add relevant tags
for detection”, said Henrik M. Pfundheller. 

The real-time PCR design software is available at
http://www.exiqon.com/miRNA-qpcr-designer 
and the mRNA Detection probe software is available at
http://www.exiqon.com/rna-ish 

Additional information: 
Lars Kongsbak, President and CEO, tel. +45 4566 0888 (cell: +45 4090 2101)
Henrik M. Pfundheller, VP Sales & Marketing, tel. +45 4565 0420 (cell: +45 4090
2106) 

See the full press release in the attached PDF.