Roche Launches a Digital PCR System

RocheRoche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced the launch of the Digital LightCyclerⓇ System, Roche's first digital polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) system. This next-generation system detects disease and is designed to accurately quantify trace amounts of specific DNA and RNA targets not typically detectable by conventional PCR methods.

The Digital LightCycler System will allow clinical researchers to divide DNA and RNA from an already extracted clinical sample into as many as 100,000 microscopic individual reactions. The system can then perform PCR and produce highly sophisticated data analysis on the results.

"Understanding the hidden characteristics of serious diseases is fundamental for ensuring that the most effective treatment is selected for each patient," said Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “The Digital LightCycler System will support clinical researchers and laboratories in identifying rare and emerging disease mutations. This can be instrumental in early diagnosis and therapy decisions."

For areas like oncology and infectious disease, the system provides new opportunities for researchers beyond what traditional PCR technology can achieve. This includes ultra rare targets, accurately quantifying how much of the target DNA or RNA there is at a molecular level, and other high precision analysis.

Roche has made significant contributions to establish and advance PCR technology over several decades. In 1991, Roche saw the potential in PCR and invested in refining the science for use in molecular diagnostics to detect pathogens and genetic code changes that lead to diseases.

The unique capabilities of the Digital LightCycler System complement the Roche suite of widely available PCR solutions. The launch of this new system adds to this PCR ecosystem, and builds on the company's founding legacy in PCR. Both solutions will be offered by Roche, providing a suite of molecular solutions to the healthcare community.

The system will be available in 15 countries worldwide in 2022 with plans to launch into more countries in the near future. It will be CE-marked and has an FDA 510(k) exempt status.

About the Digital LightCycler System

The Digital LightCycler System is the first digital PCR (dPCR) system from Roche and is intended for in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing. It performs absolute quantification of DNA and RNA targets using PCR technology. The Digital LightCycler System provides flexibility for laboratories through three unique reaction plates allowing customisation of the sample volumes used, the number of times a sample is partitioned (divided), and how many different tests can be run on a single sample (known as multiplexing). The system also features an easy workflow, moving from sample to results efficiently.

About Roche

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

In recognizing our endeavor to pursue a long-term perspective in all we do, Roche has been named one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceuticals industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the thirteenth consecutive year. This distinction also reflects our efforts to improve access to healthcare together with local partners in every country we work.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

Most Popular Now

AI Tool Helps Predict Relapse of Pediatr…

Artificial intelligence (AI) shows tremendous promise for analyzing vast medical imaging datasets and identifying patterns that may be missed by human observers. AI-assisted interpretation of brain scans may help improve...

Infectious Disease Surveillance Platform…

The Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BEACON) leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs) and a network of globally based experts to rapidly collect, analyze, and disseminate...

Detecting Lung Cancer 4 Months Earlier a…

GPs may soon be able to identify patients with an increased risk of lung cancer up to 4 months earlier than is currently the case. The GP should be able...

Children's Health Ireland to Transf…

Healthcare teams responsible for paediatric care in Ireland are to save significant time in accessing important diagnostic imaging and reports, with the help of a new agreement with medical imaging...

NHS, Councils, and Housing could Share N…

A new technology partnership formally announced, could help NHS, local government, and housing organisations collaborate to create an unprecedented understanding of the risks and needs of people in their care...

AI-Powered Analysis of Stent Healing

Each year, more than three million people worldwide are treated with stents to open blocked blood vessels caused by heart disease. However, monitoring the healing process after implantation remains a...

Right Patient, Right Dose, Right Time

While artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promising potential, much of its use has remained theoretical or retrospective. Turning its potential into real-world healthcare outcomes, researchers at the Yong Loo Lin...

AXREM and BHTA Name Highland as 'Fu…

Hosted by trade associations AXREM and the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), 'The Future of MedTech - Innovating for Tomorrow', will allow delegates to engage with speakers from the government...