London, United Kingdom, May 15, 2013 – geneOnyx™, a provider of over-the-counter cloud-based genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skincare applications, today announces that it has received leading global analyst firm Frost & Sullivan’s 2013 European New Product Innovation Award in Personalized Cosmeceuticals.  The prestigious award was formally made at Frost & Sullivan’s 2013 European Growth, Innovation & Leadership Awards Banquet held in London on 14 May.

The innovation of geneOnyx’s world-first  over-the-counter DNA anti-ageing test in a retail setting—successfully trialled at Imperial College London in 2012, ahead of a major global commercial launch later this year—was recognised by Frost & Sullivan’s global research organisation of 1,800 analysts and consultants monitoring 300 industries and 250,000 companies.

The annual Frost & Sullivan awards spotlight “best-in-class” companies based on excellence in managing growth, innovation and leadership. The New Product Innovation Award is awarded for demonstrating excellence in the following categories: innovation, leverage of leading-edge technologies, value-added features and benefits, increased customer ROI, and customer acquisition or penetration.

Vin Nee Lim, industry analyst for Frost & Sullivan, commented: “The major factor driving growth in the skincare market is the high demand for anti-ageing products. Frost & Sullivan recognises the innovation and commercial significance of geneOnyx’s solution—the first on-the-spot DNA end-to-end service available in a retail setting. In view of the potential of emerging molecular biology techniques and the increasing demand for preventive anti-ageing solutions, we expect that geneOnyx’s product will have a significant impact on the cosmetic industry, enabling a fully end-to-end customer service.”

Commenting on the award, Dr. Martin Stow, Chief Operating Officer for geneOnyx, said: “We are delighted that Frost & Sullivan has honoured geneOnyx’s accomplishments in the successful development of the world’s first on-the-spot DNA skincare test. Frost & Sullivan rightly recognises that genetic profiling and advanced analysis of the biochemical mechanisms of skin ageing is leading to the development of revolutionary new diagnostic tools that can provide specific prevention and treatment strategies to consumers. With this award, we are extremely pleased to be acknowledged by Frost & Sullivan as pioneers in the high-growth area of personalised cosmeceuticals.”

The on-the-spot service works using a simple saliva sample test, which delivers extracted DNA to a computer microchip that simultaneously amplifies and detects genetic signatures in the DNA. The DNA computer microchip is plugged into a cloud-connected gateway device linked to CosMos™, geneOnyx’s cloud-based analysis engine. The genetic test results are analysed to provide a personalised shortlist of specific geneOnyx skincare serums most appropriate and effective to the individual. Results are ready within 30 minutes. CosMos includes a comprehensive library, a unique mapping database based on geneOnyx’s extensive research into cosmetic product active ingredients, our genes and how these compounds are metabolised. Following the results, the DNA/computer microchip is then immediately and securely disposed of, ensuring that no genetic information is retained or stored.

While most genetic tests available today require the sending of saliva or other biological tissue to a laboratory for testing, the geneOnyx™ system harnesses state-of-the-art  over-the-counter DNA detection technology developed by world-leading medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng, FMedSci, CEO and founder of DNA Electronics. Leveraging DNA Electronics’ Genalysis® technology, geneOnyx is now delivering the world’s first commercial application of a lab-free DNA test, bringing on-site, over-the-counter genetic analytics to the consumer cosmetic industry for the first time.

Lim commented: “Imperial College Scholar, Professor Winston Wen-Young Wong DIC, Ph.D., DSc and Senior Scientific advisor to geneOnyx has identified the significant value of using proven DNA sequencing technology to bring scientific authority to the cosmetic industry.”

About Frost & Sullivan:

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company’s Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO’s Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.awards.frost.com.

Ground-breaking on-the-spot DNA testing innovation to feature on primetime UK science TV show at 7:30pm, Monday 22nd April

London, United Kingdom, April 22 2013 – Professor Chris Toumazou’s ground-breaking on-the-spot DNA detection innovation – the technology behind the geneOnyx™  world-first on-the-spot DNA anti-ageing test –features on BBC1’s flagship popular science programme ‘Bang Goes The Theory’

 on Monday 22^nd April at 7:30pm, in an episode focusing on Personalised Medicine. Professor Toumazou’s invention is now being bought to the high street through the beauty industry and geneOnyx.

World-leading medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng will be talking to the ‘Bang Goes The Theory’ presenter Maggie Philbin about the revolutionary skincare recommendations system – centred on a lab-free DNA test which leverages DNA Electronics’ patented Genalysis® technology.

geneOnyx is harnessing patented rapid DNA detection technology from DNA Electronics to provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting the optimal skincare and anti-ageing products for individuals based on a scientific analysis of the person’s unique genetic variations and how well a person’s body will react to active product ingredients. By matching these unique genetic variations through CosMos™, geneOnyx’s online skincare products recommendations engine, the result is a personalised skincare recommendation that is tailored to the individual – giving clear guidance on which skincare products best match a person’s skin type and which will deliver optimal results.

While most genetic tests available today require the sending of saliva or other biological tissue to a laboratory for testing, the geneOnyx system harnesses state-of-the-art on-the-spot DNA detection technology to deliver results within 30 minutes.

The on-the-spot service works via a simple saliva sample test, which delivers purified DNA to a computer microchip is plugged into a cloud-connected gateway device linked to CosMos™, geneOnyx™’s cloud-based analysis engine. The genetic test results are analysed to provide a personalised shortlist of skincare products most appropriate and effective to the individual.

geneOnyx will be launching its own flagship store planned for October 2013 in central London. geneOnyx will be providing customers not only with its innovative DNA test in relation to certain skin characteristics, but also personalised anti-ageing products to provide the customer with the ultimate skincare solution.

The full programme can be seen on BBC 1 at 7.30pm on Monday 22^nd April 2013. For further information about the ‘Bang Goes The Theory’ series, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lwxj1 (where clips and links will be available after broadcast) or visit the ‘Bang Goes The Theory’ Twitter page: @bbcbang

Members of the media interested in scheduling a briefing with geneOnyx can do so by contacting Nicky Denovan at nicky[at]evokedset[dot]com.

PRESS CONTACT for media enquiries:

Nicky Denovan

EvokedSet

Email: nicky[@]evokedset.com

Tel: +44 (0)844 870 8025

Mobile: +44 (0)7747 017654

The pre-selection:

We would like to invite you to attend a short walk-in session at Imperial College in South Kensington to provide a saliva sample and complete a short questionnaire. This should not take more than 15 min. This sample will determine whether or not you can partake in the trial, as we will analyse genes in the saliva that impact how skin ages. We anticipate half of invited person will then be eligible for the full trial. The dates for the initial eligibility screening will be between the 4th and 29th of April. A variety of times will be available for you to attend and these can be arranged to suit you.

The trial:

If selected you will then be invited to partake in the full trial, which will involve you applying a dermatologically tested anti-ageing serum specifically designed for your skin for 12 weeks. This trial will require you to attend 3 x 45 minute sessions at Imperial College for visual and photographic skin assessment. At the end of the trial subjects will receive an incentive for their participation. The dates for the 3 assessment sessions are 10-12 May, 21-23 June and 2-4 August.

Please email Dr. Belinda Nedjai at geneonyxtrial@gmail.com if you would like to attend the trial or have any questions regarding recruitment or the trial itself.

The Government announced on 29 January that Imperial has been deemed to be outstanding and so worthy of the award of Regius professorship. This honour is bestowed upon the College by HM The Queen as part of her sixtieth anniversary celebrations – only eleven other universities in the UK have also received this recognition.

Imperial’s Faculty of Engineering is ranked in the top two institutions for engineering research in the uk and among the top ten internationally.

A Regius Professorship is a rare privilege with only two created in the past century. Other London universities recognised through these latest awards are the London School of Economics and Political Science and King’s College London.

Imperial’s Faculty of Engineering is credited over the years with a range of technological breakthroughs including inventing lenseless, three-dimensional photography called holography by Professor Dennis Gabor (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) CBE FRS, for which he received a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971. Other inventions include the development of magnetic levitation by Professor Eric Laithwaite (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), which is the technology that gives the Shanghai maglev train its levity.

Imperial will bestow the honour on Professor Chris Toumazou FRS and FREng, from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Among his many achievements, Professor Toumazou developed one of the world’s first cochlear implants to enable deaf people to hear. He has also created a digital plaster, which can remotely monitor a patient’s vital signs in the comfort of their own home and a hand-held device that can analyse DNA to determine if a patient is allergic to specific types of medication.

Sir Keith O’Nions, President & Rector of Imperial College London, says: “From holography to magnetic levitation to developing ‘digital plasters’ that can keep patients safe and healthy at home, Imperial’s Faculty of Engineering has been an international leader in research innovation for many years. This honour is a tribute to our academics – the backbone of Imperial – and their world-leading research that has helped and will continue to help to improve our lives.”

Professor Jeff Magee, Principal of the Faculty of Engineering at Imperial, added: “This award recognises the world renowned excellence of the Faculty of Engineering, which Professor Toumazou exemplifies. On behalf of the Faculty, I’d like to say that we are extremely honoured to be recognised in this way and we thank HRH The Queen for the award.”

David Willetts, Ministers for Universities and Science, concluded: “I was incredibly impressed by the quality and range of the applications received and I am delighted that twelve new Regius Professorships are to be created. Together, the successful applications demonstrated an exceptionally high level of achievement in both teaching and research.”

Biology is analog, not digital: The biomed engineer shows how his low-energy, low-cost analog semiconductor devices can mimic or replace biological processes and efficiently monitor vital signs from afar.

You know you are looking old when, on telling someone your age, they answer, “Well, you don’t look it.” I suppose they are trying to be kind. I know, I have said it myself on enough occasions. Now people have started saying it to me.

I am 46 (not that old but not that young, either) and it is usually said with the mildly patronising “well done you” inflection that makes me feel like an octogenarian who has just been congratulated on the announcement that he wants to take up snowboarding.

It has already been established beyond doubt that I care about my appearance: I have written in these pages about my battle with hair loss and the concomitant reminder that time is passing. Of course, it does not do to dwell on these things for too long, not least because I am sure that existential angst furrows the brow and brings on wrinkles – and it is those wrinkles that have been exercising me of late.

My skin used to worry me when I was a teenager – acne vulgaris was a terrible trial. A stubborn spot or glowing red lump under the skin used to feel like walking around with a large sandwich board that said “Pimply Youth” in letters picked out in flashing lights.

I tried every remedy that I could, including washing my skin on the hour every day until it resembled a parched river bed during a prolonged drought. On one particularly desperate occasion, I applied cassette tape recorder head cleaning fluid to my facial blemishes. I reckoned that if I swabbed the innards of my cassette tape deck with this stuff and it removed built-up grease, grime and deposits of black stuff, it might do the same for my skin. If I am honest, it was reasonably effective.

Read full article here.

London, United KingdomOctober 11th 2012 – geneOnyx™, a provider of over-the-counter cloud based genetic analytics services for cosmetics and skincare applications, today announces the world’s first on-the-spot DNA skincare test, debuted at The Organic Pharmacy’s flagship UK store. geneOnyx™ has partnered with DNA Electronics Ltd., a developer of semiconductor solutions for real-time DNA and RNA detection, to apply the geneOnyx™ cloud recommendations system to a range of highly active anti-ageing skincare products at the leading health and beauty clinic and store – providing rapid results, without the need to send genetic samples away to a lab. The service is available as an in-store treatment to The Organic Pharmacy customers at the Kings Road store in London. The service preview is being made available to The Organic Pharmacy ahead of a global launch early next year.

The Organic Pharmacy was founded in 2002 by pharmacist Margo Marrone and specialises in products, advice and treatments that are free from toxic ingredients. In addition to its six London stores, the leading health and beauty clinic and retail operation opened its first store in Los Angeles in 2008.

geneOnyx™ is harnessing patented rapid DNA detection technology from Imperial College London spin-out DNA Electronics to provide an individually-tailored recommendation service for selecting the optimal skincare and cosmetic products for individuals based on a scientific analysis of the person’s unique genetic variations and how well a person’s body will react to active product ingredients. geneOnyx™’s revolutionary recommendations system leverages DNA Electronics’ Genalysis® technology to deliver accurate recommendations of the most suitable anti-ageing products for an individual’s skin by detecting the tiny genetic variations in DNA. By matching these unique genetic variations through CosMos™, geneOnyx™’s online skincare products recommendations engine, the result is a personalised skincare recommendation that is tailored to the individual – giving clear guidance on which skincare products best match a person’s skin type and which will deliver optimal results.

The on-the-spot service works via a simple saliva sample test, which delivers purified DNA to a computer microchip that simultaneously amplifies and detects genetic signatures in the DNA using the biological process of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The DNA computer microchip is plugged into a cloud-connected gateway device linked to CosMos™, geneOnyx™’s cloud-based analysis engine. The genetic test results are analysed to provide a personalised shortlist of skincare products most appropriate and effective to the individual. Results are ready within 30 minutes. CosMos™ includes a comprehensive SMP™ library, a unique mapping database based on geneOnyx™’s extensive research into cosmetic product active ingredients, our genes and how these compounds are metabolised. Following the results, the DNA computer microchip is then immediately and securely disposed of, ensuring that no genetic information is retained or stored.

While most genetic tests available today require the sending of saliva or other biological tissue to a laboratory for testing, the geneOnyx™ system harnesses state-of-the-art on-the-spot DNA detection technology developed by world-leading medical technology pioneer Professor Chris Toumazou FRS, FREng, CEO and Founder of DNA Electronics. Leveraging DNA Electronics’ Genalysis® technology, geneOnyx is now delivering the world’s first commercial application of a lab-free DNA test – bringing on-site, over-the-counter genetic analytics to the consumer cosmetic industry. This approach is set to change the way we purchase and understand skincare with fast, tailored results.