BD Expands its Suite of Open System Solutions on the Fully Automated BD MAX™ Platform

SPARKS, Md., Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BD Diagnostics, a segment of leading global medical technology company BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) (NYSE: BDX), announced today the availability of the Total Nucleic Acid (TNA) suite of reagents for the BD MAX System. The BD MAX System is the first molecular system which allows laboratories developing tests to combine extraction, amplification, and detection on a single, easy-to-use, automated platform.  With this expansion of the Open System Reagent suite to accommodate TNA, laboratories and test developers using the BD MAX System can now realize the benefits of this fully automated platform for assays which incorporate DNA and RNA targets.

These new reagents complement the current suite of BD MAX Open System Reagents by enabling the development of assays which use a single unitized strip, consolidating reagents for extraction and amplification of DNA and RNA. The BD MAX System shifts the traditional paradigm for user-developed molecular assays from a labor-intensive process requiring multiple instruments to streamlined, integrated format.

"User-developed molecular assays typically involve discrete extraction, amplification and detection procedures performed on two or more platforms, taking several hours to days to complete," said Doug White, Vice President and General Manager, Molecular Diagnostics and Women's Health, BD Diagnostics. "In contrast, the BD MAX System automates this process and our new TNA product line provides the opportunity to develop assays with a simplified workflow for DNA/RNA extraction and amplification in a single reaction."

"Enabling development of assays capable of extracting and amplifying both DNA and RNA in a single reaction opens the door to a wide range of possibilities," said Patrick Murray, Ph.D, Worldwide Director of Scientific Affairs, BD Diagnostics – Diagnostic Systems. "Assays can be developed on the BD MAX System regardless of the nucleic acid type being targeted. Labs often need to develop region-specific diagnostic tools to address unmet needs for emerging pathogen testing when no IVD assays exist. The BD MAX System, together with the TNA reagents, allows labs to develop such assays with automated workflow and requiring minimal user intervention."

About BD

BD is a leading medical technology company that partners with customers and stakeholders to address many of the world's most pressing and evolving health needs. Our innovative solutions are focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the diagnosis of infectious diseases and cancers, and supporting the management of diabetes and advanced cellular research. We are nearly 30,000 associates in 50 countries who strive to fulfill our purpose of "Helping all people live healthy lives" by advancing the quality, accessibility, safety and affordability of healthcare around the world. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

Contact:
Lindsay Roman
BD Public Relations
201.847.4312
Lindsay_Roman@bd.com

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)