PrimerPlex is a tool for designing multiplex PCR primers and probes for bead based suspension array systems based on Luminex's xMAP® technology. Version 2 includes support for using proven pre-designed oligos for building a larger multiplex set, enables pooling of oligos based on their thermodynamic profile and analyzes all the SNPs of a medium sized genome in a single search run

Palo Alto, California -- May, 2009, PREMIER Biosoft International today announced the release of PrimerPlex version 2.00. PrimerPlex designs custom oligos for high-throughput detection of nucleic acid sequences for Luminex 100, Luminex 200 and Bio-Plex 200 suspension array systems. The systems are based on Luminex's bead array based xMAP® technology.

PrimerPlex can now use pre-designed well proven oligos to build a multiplex set. A user begins by specifying the oligos for each sequence, for the sequences where pre-designed oligos are not available, PrimerPlex designs them, checks them for multiplexing and highlights compatibility issues if any. The user can then decide to accept the design or create a separate pool. This functionality gives complete control in the hands of the user.

With this release, the program now also supports a database of MicroPlex xTAGs (formerly known as FlexMAP TAGs) for automatic addition of appropriate tags to each sequence The tags are so chosen that they minimize dimerization and do not fold back on the oligos they are attached to. In addition, a user can override the program's recommendation and select their own. The functionality is available for Allele Specific Primer Extension (ASPE) primers.

"PrimerPlex is the only tool available for multiplex nucleic acid applications of xMAP® technology such as SNP analysis, pathogen detection, strain typing, haplotyping, and gene expression. With this release, we have taken a step further in making a more comprehensive solution available," said Kay Brown, V.P. Business Development and Marketing.

Amongst a host of other improvements, the program now supports loading of rsID sequences, mutations such as DIPs (Deletion/Insertion Polymorphisms), MNPs (Multiple Nucleotide Polymorphisms) etc. and can simultaneously process multiple SNPs for large genomic sequences, reporting overlapping designs if any.

For details, please visit: http://www.premierbiosoft.com/primerplex/index.html.

About PREMIER Biosoft International:
Founded in 1994, the company is a group of computer scientists and molecular biologists dedicated to producing cutting-edge intuitive software for the molecular biologist. The goal of the company is to study the most recent innovations in molecular biology and translate them into software products that aid biologists. Additional information about PREMIER Biosoft International is available at http://www.premierbiosoft.com.

Contact:
Arun Apte
PREMIER Biosoft International
Ph: 650-856-2703