DuPont Licenses Scorpions Technology for Food and Beverage Diagnostics

DxS Ltd, a personalized medicine company and leader in the provision of companion diagnostics, has granted DuPont Nutrition & Health, a developer of innovative, science-based diagnostic products that can reduce the impact of pathogens and other unwelcome organisms in food and pharmaceuticals, a license to use its novel Scorpions® diagnostic platform to develop tests for use by the food industry. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal will allow DuPont Nutrition & Health to use DxS Scorpions® technology, a highly sensitive and adaptable platform, to develop rapid multiplex assays for detecting microorganisms that affect food safety and quality. Scorpions® is a homogeneous, closed-tube platform for PCR analysis for which DxS own the worldwide IP. The technology provides an accurate, rapid and reliable fluorescence-based signal generation system with application rights in in vitro diagnostics, genetic analysis, biothreat detection, environmental utility and now also food and drink microbial testing.

'With Scorpions® cutting-edge technology, we can develop increasingly faster, more sensitive tests for pathogens and spoilage organisms that anticipate and satisfy the evolving needs of the food industry for safer, higher quality products,' said Kevin Huttman, president - DuPont Nutrition & Health.

'Scorpions® has unparalleled sensitivity and specificity making it ideal for detecting often difficult to find organisms which may not be identifiable through other diagnostic platforms,' said Stephen Little, CEO of DxS. 'We are very pleased to have concluded this deal with DuPont Nutrition & Health, which serves to highlight the benefits of the Scorpions® platform including increased speed, accuracy and applicability.'

DxS' pioneering real-time PCR technology Scorpions® is highly regarded for its proven speed and sensitivity, and is combined with ARMS (allele specific PCR) to develop each unique DxS product. This class-leading technology is also available for license to diagnostic companies for research or for other varied applications.