London, United Kingdom, March 19 2012 – geneOnyx, a provider of over-the-counter cloud based genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skincare applications, today announces that it has licensed ground-breaking DNA detection technology from DNA Electronics Ltd – a developer of solutions for real-time DNA and RNA detection – to deliver revolutionary on-the-spot, genetically-tailored product recommendation services to retail cosmetics and skincare brands. Following a successful evaluation of DNA Electronics’ Genalysis® lab-free technology platform, the two companies are announcing a commercial license and supply agreement that will enable geneOnyx to harness DNA Electronics’ real-time Genalysis® platform for rapid, lab-free DNA detection and apply it to the development of high-throughput, genetically-targeted product recommendation services for the skincare and cosmetic markets. geneOnyx is delivering the world’s first commercial application of DNA Electronics’ platform for rapid DNA testing – bringing on-site, over-the-counter genetic analytics to the retail cosmetic industry for the very first time.
Through the agreement, geneOnyx will harness the DNA Electronics technology and apply it to its cloud-based CosMos™ technology to provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting the optimal skincare and cosmetic products based on how well a person’s body will react to active ingredients.
geneOnyx leverages DNA Electronics’ lab-free Genalysis® platform which processes a saliva sample – obtained via a simple mouth swab – and delivers purified DNA to a single-use, disposable computer chip which detects specific genetic signatures. Results are ready within 30 minutes. The DNA computer chip is plugged into a cloud-connected gateway device linked to CosMos™, geneOnyx’s patent pending cloud-based analysis engine. The genetic test results are analysed to provide a personalised shortlist of skincare products most appropriate and effective to the individual. CosMos™ includes a comprehensive SMP™ library, a unique mapping database based on geneOnyx’s extensive research into cosmetic product active ingredients, our genes and how these compounds are metabolised. By mapping the key relationship between active ingredients and the genetic variations that regulate their efficacy, this continually updated database allows geneOnyx to perform a completely personalised analysis of the effectiveness of products designed to address specific skin issues.
DNA Electronics – a spin-out of Imperial College London – was founded by semiconductor and medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng, based on his key 2001 invention of detecting protons released during DNA synthesis using a standard silicon-chip based transistor.
The Genalysis® lab-free system uses DNA Electronics Ltd’s patented technology for electronic DNA detection which is currently powering state-of-the-art human genome sequencing for clinical research through DNA Electronics’ existing licence agreements with global life science companies, Life Technologies and Roche. But Genalysis® brings the technology outside of the laboratory for the first time by creating a “sample-to-answer” system that is fast, accurate and easy-to-use.
Commenting on the announcement, DNA Electronics CEO, Prof. Chris Toumazou said: “We are very pleased that geneOnyx has licensed DNA Electronics’ totally unique technology platform and applied it to its ground-breaking, cloud-based CosMos™ technology to create the world’s first over-the counter recommendation service for the retail cosmetics market. We see enormous potential in the new recreational market area that geneOnyx is spearheading by leveraging the unique competitive advantage offered by the Genalysis® platform and combining that with its impressive connected infrastructure and rich analysis engine and database.”
Members of the media interested in scheduling a briefing with geneOnyx can do so by contacting Nicky Denovan at nicky[at]evokedset[dot]com.
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Notes to editors
About geneOnyx
geneOnyx provides a service that offers the world’s first over the counter genetic test with on-the-spot results. The service provides tailored recommendations related to skincare ingredients and associated genetics to select the optimal skincare and cosmetic products.
geneOnyx’ CosMos™ cloud technology provides a comprehensive SMP™ library, a unique mapping database based on geneOnyx’s extensive research into cosmetic product active ingredients, our genes and how the compounds are metabolised. By mapping the relationship between active ingredients and the genetic variations, this continually updated database allows geneOnyx to perform a completely personalised analysis of the effectiveness of products designed to address skin issues.
This is a revolutionary approach to marketing cosmetics, that significantly removes the guesswork and risks involved when selecting the best individual skincare solution.
For more information:
http://www.geneonyx.comAbout DNA Electronics
DNA Electronics is a developer of semiconductor solutions for real-time nucleic acid detection which enables faster, simpler and more cost-effective DNA analysis platforms. The company’s IP portfolio includes techniques for monitoring nucleotide insertions using ion-sensitive transistors, enabling label-free electronic DNA sequencing and diagnostics platforms using standard CMOS microchip technology. DNA Electronics (DNAe) has developed the Genalysis® platform of disposable sample-to-answer silicon chip-based solutions for real-time nucleic acid sequence detection at the point-of-need, providing end users with technology as yet unavailable outside a laboratory.
The Genalysis® platform uses interchangeable, disposable “lab-on-chip” cartridges and pipette-free sample preparation kits to give fast and accurate portable molecular tests with all the appeal of consumer electronics: anytime, anywhere. Each cartridge can be tailored to any sequence of interest, making this a customizable semiconductor technology amenable to a wide variety of applications and markets, including personalized medicine and infection screening. The ability to accurately detect DNA in real-time using a standalone, fully portable, low power electronic readout presents disruptive new opportunities in diagnostics, data capture and therapy.
For more information:
http://www.dnae.co.ukPRESS CONTACT for media enquiries:
Nicky Denovan
EvokedSet
Email: nicky
Tel: +44 (0)844 870 8025
Mobile: +44 (0)7747 017654
Distributed on behalf of EvokedSet by NeonDrum news distribution service (
http://www.neondrum.com)
