DestiNA Genomics is a new University spin-out company that is applying ground- breaking science to deliver cost-effective, enzyme-free DNA and RNA analysis for faster identification of bacterial and viral diseases, and improved clinical diagnostic tests for cancers and other illnesses. The company’s origins are in research and validation of novel “dynamic chemistry” approaches to the detection of nucleic acids and their mutations, undertaken by Dr Juan Diaz Mochon, Professor Mark Bradley, and PhD student Frank Bowler in the University’s School of Chemistry. Up until now, the detection and analysis of microRNAs has been a complex and expensive series of preparation, conversion and amplification steps, with risk of errors. This has limited the ability of researchers to undertake more sophisticated, multiplexed studies.


With support from the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept programme, the group was able to establish that its patented SMARTTM


Nucleobases technology


worked accurately to detect mutations in Cystic Fibrosis patients. In December 2010, the spin-out of DestiNA Genomics was formalised with the agreement of a world- wide, exclusive licence to the technology from the University.


The revolutionary DestiNA technology is capable of delivering faster, more error- free detection of nucleic acids and their mutations than current enzyme-based detection systems. The DestiNA reagents make false positive results a thing of the past. This opens up the development of improved clinical diagnostic tests for cancers and other illnesses, rapid detection


Destiny calling


A recent University spin-out has developed faster and more accurate diagnostic tests for illnesses such as cancer


of pathogenic bacteria and viruses for human health, as well as tests for food quality. The company is developing a range of probes for nucleic acid sequences (DNA, mRNA, microRNAs), as well as its patented SMARTTM


Nucleobases, for different detection systems using fluorescent and colour dyes coupled to them (Biotin, fluorescein, amino groups).


These reagents are now in the process of being trialled on commercially available mass spectrometry, micro-array, Lab-on-a- Chip and bead-based platforms. DestiNA aims to become a significant global player in the rapidly growing molecular diagnostic market and, thanks to the test speed, accuracy and


miniaturisation possible for their reagents, to become a leading provider to the emerging personalised medicine market. However, in the short term, they are looking to licence their technology for evaluation and development agreements with pharmaceutical and detection platform companies that leads to customised reagent supply agreements.


Hugh Ilyine, CEO of DestiNA Genomics, said: “DestiNA has the potential to be a very significant success for the University. “We believe the company’s ultimate value will be in the hundreds of millions, and become known as a notable success for Scotland. In any event, we are going to try our best to deliver on this.”


The DestiNA team aims for its technology to be a big success


DestiNA Genomics is also highlighted in the feature on page 28 by Jonathan Harris, Editor of Young Company Finance Scotland, as one of his “ones to watch”


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