RHEONIX
Developing fully automated sequencing preparation for molecular diagnostics
Rheonix is a diagnostics company that makes robotic devices and assays to diagnose disease and detect food spoilage and contamination. Their platform technology is based around microfluidics, using disposable Rheonix CARD® cartridges that can perform multiple different kinds of chemical and biological reactions in one sealed unit.
How Rheonix collaborates with UB
Collaborates with Experts
Uses High-Tech Equipment
Obtains Funding
CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY
Simplifying sequencing prep
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis is a relatively new and complex method of molecular diagnostic testing, but one that is growing rapidly in popularity. It has the potential to significantly increase standards of care through “personalized medicine,” or customized disease treatment based on an individual’s particular genes or the mutant genes present in a tumor.
Genomic and transcriptomic testing can already be used to rapidly diagnose many types of illness including infectious diseases like COVID-19, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, hereditary genetic disorders and cancer. But today’s standard methods for DNA and RNA library preparation for NGS involve a complex and time-consuming multi-step workflow with a high cost per sample.
SOLUTION & OUTCOME
Expedited diagnostic testing
Rheonix was founded with the mission to address barriers preventing the adoption of high-quality, sensitive molecular testing by making a simple, user-friendly and low-cost device. Using the company's proprietary CARD® cartridges, Rheonix’s Encompass MDx® and Encompass Optimum™ diagnostic testing systems are designed to run up to 24 biological or clinical samples through a fully automated series of reactions, simplifying assay protocols. The systems expedite a process that would usually take a skilled laboratory scientist hours of hands-on time and turn it into a hands-free process that requires minimal effort to set up and start.
Partnering on biotech R&D
Working with UB, Rheonix gained access to the university’s leading-edge sequencing core facility and high-performance computing center, along with invaluable feedback from research experts, market analyses and project funding. UB experts were instrumental in helping Rheonix identify user requirements, fine-tune product development and provide critical data and advice to enhance, simplify and expedite library preparation. Rheonix also received guidance from UB in navigating the FDA regulatory approval process. With UB’s help, the life sciences company was able to rapidly develop a new product line, the NGS OnePrep™ solution, with the potential to accelerate biomedical research and diagnosis.
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Secure matching funds for research and development support through the Center for Advanced Technology in Big Data & Health Sciences.
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