Roche Launches Next-Gen PCR System to Detect Ultra-Rare Cancers

Roche said it has launched the Digital LightCycler System, its first digital polymerase chain reaction system. The next-generation PCR system is designed to detect and quantify trace amounts of specific DNA and RNA targets not typically detectable by conventional PCR methods.

Photo: Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics

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.

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.

Author: Rare Daily Staff