Switch-Blocker™ suppresses the ocean of normal DNA that hides a rare mutation, detecting variants down to 0.1% VAF with single-copy sensitivity. Primer-Switch™ amplifies the variant you want with near-zero off-target signal, and supports fast-cycling methods under 6 minutes. Both drop into the workflows your lab already runs. No new instruments.
Problem 01 · Sensitivity and Multiplexing
A tumor mutation is a rare event in an ocean of wild-type nucleic acid. Switch-Blocker suppresses wild-type amplification, so the mutation can be detected. Primary focus is Oncology.
Problem 02 · Speed and Specificity
Running PCR faster usually costs specificity: primer dimers, off-target products, false positives in negative controls. Primer-Switch preferentially amplifies the target with near-zero off-target amplification and single-nucleotide resolution, and holds that selectivity under fast two-step cycling. Primary focus is Infectious Disease.
Discover how to bring digital-PCR sensitivity to your installed qPCR instrument!
Switch-Blocker is Aegea’s patented nucleic acid chemistry that enhances the sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostics. It functions by suppressing wild-type (or normal DNA) sequences while selectively amplifying rare mutations, enabling detection of genetic variants at frequencies below 0.01%—ideal for applications like oncology, infectious disease testing, transplantation, and personalized medicine.
By enriching mutant sequences and blocking wild-type amplification, Switch-Blocker reduces background noise and increases signal clarity. This results in faster, more accurate, cost-effective assays that can be seamlessly integrated into existing PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows without the need for new instrumentation.
Aegea’s platform is capable of detecting a wide array of genetic alterations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions, deletions, and other rare mutations. Switch-blockers specialize in identifying low abundance, clinically relevant somatic mutations present in highly degraded samples or fragmented DNA like liquid biopsies. Proven examples of these include mutations in genes such as EGFR, KRAS, and ESR1 which are pivotal in cancer diagnostics and treatment planning.
Absolutely. Aegea has applied its Switch-Blocker technology to develop highly sensitive PCR-based COVID-19 assays capable of distinguishing viral strains and quantifying viral load. These assays can be rapidly customized for emerging variants and other pathogens.
