Fluxion Biosciences, Inc. today announced an initial agreement to partner with Rubicon Genomics in a reagent supply and collaboration program. The collaboration will integrate enrichment methods for rare cells using Fluxion’s IsoFlux System with Rubicon’s technology for the preparation and amplification of rare cell DNA or RNA using the Rubicon NovaPLEX™ family of sample preparation kits.

Access to tumor tissue represents one of the most significant challenges in characterizing specific cancers. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) disseminate from primary tumors and enter the peripheral bloodstream in very low concentrations. These rare circulating cells have shown promise as an alternative to biopsies of primary tumor tissue, and can be used to characterize tumor status at the molecular level. However, most DNA analysis methods require higher amounts of genetic material than typically can be collected from CTCs. Technologies developed by Fluxion and Rubicon provide for specialized pre-analytical processing of difficult biological samples and enable subsequent analysis using sequencing, microarrays or PCR.

Fluxion’s IsoFlux System provides a real-time “liquid biopsy” that delivers high quality CTC samples optimized for molecular analysis. The platform utilizes a proprietary microfluidic technology to isolate rare cells with high efficiency. Samples processed using the IsoFlux System are immediately ready for downstream analysis. Multiple analytical techniques can be used with IsoFlux samples including mutation detection, gene expression, sequencing, and protein analysis.

Rubicon Genomics provides sample-specific kits for pre-analytical processing to improve the performance and capabilities of DNA and RNA analytical platforms for research and clinical testing. As part of this agreement, Fluxion and Rubicon will apply sample-specific products from Rubicon’s amplification portfolio to samples processed by Fluxion’s IsoFlux System. These amplified samples will then be optimal for analysis using a variety of genomics techniques, including next generation sequencing and PCR-based approaches.

“We are pleased to be working with Rubicon on this effort,” commented Michael Schwartz, Program Director at Fluxion. “Their products are the gold standard for testing for aneuploidies and mutations in single human cells, and for differential gene expression in formalin-fixed surgical samples. The Rubicon protocols are simpler, faster and more robust than the competition, and they also yield superior analytical results on sequencing, array, and PCR platforms.”

James Koziarz, CEO of Rubicon Genomics, noted, “Partnering with innovators such as Fluxion is a key element of our strategy for increasing access to our pre-analytical technologies for improving the analysis of DNA and RNA from challenging samples. We look forward to collaborating with Fluxion in the emerging and important field of circulating tumor cell analysis.”

For more information about the IsoFlux System, or to participate in the IsoFlux Early Access Program, visit www.fluxionbio.com/isoflux.

For more information about Rubicon Genomics and its products for pre-analytical processes in molecular biology, visit www.rubicongenomics.com.

About Fluxion Biosciences

Fluxion Biosciences provides cellular analysis tools for use in critical life science, drug discovery, and diagnostic applications. Fluxion’s proprietary microfluidic platform enables precise functional analysis of individual cells in a multiplexed format. Products include the BioFlux™ System for studying cellular interactions, the IonFlux™ System for automated ion channel testing, and the IsoFlux™ System for circulating tumor cell access. Fluxion’s systems meet the rigorous demands of life science and drug discovery scientists by providing an intuitive, easy-to-use operating system for single-cell biology. For more information about Fluxion Biosciences, visit www.fluxionbio.com.

About Rubicon Genomics

Rubicon Genomics, Inc. is a leader in the development and commercialization of sample-specific pre-analytical processes to improve the performance and capabilities of DNA and RNA analytical platforms for research and clinical testing. Rubicon currently provides the IVF testing industry with PicoPLEX™ kits for amplifying single embryo cells before microarray and PCR analysis, and provides the cancer diagnostics industry with OmniPLEX™ kits for amplifying DNA or RNA from formalin-fixed and other clinical samples before microarray, PCR or FISH analysis. The company’s core competency is the creation of more efficient molecular biology tools for genetic, epigenetic and expression analysis of difficult clinical samples to facilitate gene-based research, drug development, diagnostics and forensics. Privately held Rubicon is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, visit www.rubicongenomics.com.