ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

More to Learn from ESR1 Using ctDNA Analysis

Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations in breast tumors were first identified nearly 30 years ago. Since then, technology has evolved, as has our understanding of the impact these mutations have on tumor cell physiology. Given the dynamic nature of ESR1 mutation acquisition and enrichment, ctDNA samples appear to be the most robust source for analysis. Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) enables rapid, highly sensitive, cost-effective analysis of ctDNA, providing a powerful tool for this critical area of cancer research.
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Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)Featured WebinarsWebinars

Unlocking the Potential of Cell and Gene Therapies: Overcoming Production Challenges

A common challenge in scaling up cell and gene therapy production is monitoring for contaminants, such as Mycoplasma. Learn how ddPCR can help in this webinar.
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diagnosticsDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)Featured WebinarsReal-time qPCR/PCRWebinars

Guidance for the Validation of qPCR and ddPCR Assays in Regulated Environments

In this webinar, learn about validating qPCR and ddPCR assays in regulated environments. Explore validation parameters and regulatory considerations.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Replication-Competent Virus Testing: A Critical Step in Cell and Gene Therapy Quality Control

Scientists commonly use lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as viral vectors in cell and gene therapy (CGT) production. However, therapies that use these viruses must undergo strict quality control measures, including testing for replication-competent viruses (RCV), to ensure that the treatment is safe. Cell culture-based methods are currently the gold standard for RCV testing, but it can take up to 45 days for results to be returned. Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) kits now offer an attractive orthogonal method.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Enhancing the Power of Microsatellite Instability Detection with ddPCR Technology

As the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health burden. Biomarker identification and detection has proven a powerful strategy for improving CRC diagnosis and informing targeted treatment. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a key biomarker in CRC, and with Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR), MSI can be accurately detected using a wider range of sample types.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)Drug Discovery and Development

Poly(A) Tails: A Critical Quality Attribute in mRNA-based Therapeutics

The therapeutic potential of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics has an unprecedented ability to target previously undruggable diseases. The poly(A) tail drives the therapeutic efficacy of the mRNA molecule. Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology to analyze poly(A) tail length and integrity yields unrivaled sensitivity, enabling developers to ensure high poly(A) tail integrity and, ultimately, functional therapeutic mRNAs.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Accurate Titering of Lentiviral Vectors is Paramount for Biotherapeutic Success

Lentiviral vectors (LVVs) have become the primary method of gene delivery for cells ex vivo in both academic and clinical applications. Currently, qPCR is the gold standard for functional titering of LVVs, but Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) offers an attractive alternative due to its inherent benefits, such as absolute quantification without the use of a standard curve and enhanced resistance to PCR inhibitors.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Achieving True Excellence in RNA Therapeutic Development

The realm of druggable targets has expanded significantly with the advent of mRNA therapeutics. Scientists require exceptional accuracy and confidence to adequately characterize these therapeutics and their anticipated effects. To this end, Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology has proven invaluable. With unparalleled precision and absolute quantification, Droplet Digital PCR is revolutionizing the field of mRNA therapeutic development and manufacturing.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Exploring Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a New Oncology Clinical Trial Endpoint

Historically, five-year survival rates have been used to evaluate cancer therapeutic effectiveness in clinical trials. But time is critical for research — and for patients. Fortunately, there is a promising method for evaluating cancer therapeutic effectiveness that could potentially offer prognostic insights after just one year. Noninvasive liquid biopsy analysis, including analysis of circulating tumor DNA, is improving researchers’ ability to detect clinical responses more rapidly.
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ArticlesDroplet Digital PCR (ddPCR)

Maximizing the Impact of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology with ddPCR Technology

As SARS-CoV-2 becomes an endemic agent worldwide, communities and health agencies must figure out how to identify novel variants and track infection rates in ways that are sustainable, sensitive, and accurate. Fortunately, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven its ability to play an important role in monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks, and Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) has become a cornerstone method for ongoing wastewater-based disease surveillance. In this article, we review the role of wastewater-based testing in community health before, during, and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, and we explore why ddPCR technology is ideally suited for this application as it continues to expand and evolve.
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