LexaGene Holdings unveils the second iteration of its MiQLab Bacterial and AMR Panel, capable of more robust pathogen screening

LexaGene Holdings Inc (OTCQB:LXXGF) (CVE:LXG) has released its second-generation MiQLab Bacterial and AMR (Antibiotic/Antimicrobial Resistance) Panel, the company announced.

The company’s first Bacterial and AMR Test screened samples for seven different pathogens and 13 different antimicrobial resistance factors. It was largely built around pathogens and resistance genes commonly encountered in urinary tract infections (UTIs) and was well-received within the veterinary community. 

The MiQLab sequel was expanded at the request of veterinarians to improve coverage for pathogens that cause other common types of infections, including skin, soft tissue, wound infections (SSTIs) and ear infections.

READ: LexaGene Holdings moves toward FDA emergency use authorization of its MiQLab diagnostic system

Specifically, LexaGene’s Bacterial and AMR Test Version 2 (V2) screens for 10 pathogens and 35 genes and variants, that confer antimicrobial drug resistance. The new test is expected to detect 96% of bacterial UTIs and 93% of bacterial SSTIs, as well as a much higher percentage of genes that confer resistance to some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

“Our goal is to provide veterinarians with the most informative test possible so they can quickly detect the presence of both common and less common pathogens,” vice president of applications of bioinformatics Nathan Walsh said. “This Bacterial and AMR Test V2 allows for just that. In addition, the assay panel adds many new tests for drug resistance genes to help veterinarians avoid prescribing the wrong drug to a patient, which can lead to extended pet suffering, unnecessary side effects, costly complications, and sometimes even death.

“When employed early in the diagnosis process some of these problems can be avoided by regularly using a MiQLab equipped with this expanded version of drug resistance testing. Pet-owners seeking care from veterinarians using MiQLab will gain comfort knowing an appropriate antibiotic has been prescribed based on genetic testing that will increase the chances of rapidly improving the health of their pet.”

LexaGene’s MiQLab System is designed for in-clinic use and provides highly multiplex testing for pathogens and markers of antibiotic resistance so that veterinarians can make fast evidence-based treatment decisions. MiQLab returns results in roughly two hours, much faster than sending samples to a reference laboratory for testing, which normally returns results in three to five days.

“The Bacterial and AMR Test V2 will help drive LexaGene’s growth for three main reasons,” CEO Jack Regan said. “First and foremost, veterinarians using this technology will be able to provide better informed and more timely care for pets. Second, we expect veterinarians to run more tests per week using MiQLab rather than sending samples to a reference lab for culture, as MiQLab testing provides enhanced customer peace of mind, with critical diagnostic information available within two hours versus three to five days. And, as the technology can be now used across many more medical applications, we expect this new release will increase the number of tests run by current LexaGene veterinary customers and serve as a potential profit center for their practices.”

Contact Andrew Kessel at [email protected]

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Story by ProactiveInvestors