Neoteryx and Cellecta partner to introduce innovative finger-prick blood test for comprehensive whole-genome expression profiling

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 9, 2025 — Cellecta, Inc. has unveiled the DriverMap™ EXP Human Genome-Wide 19K Dried Blood Microsample Profiling Kit, a groundbreaking solution that allows researchers to analyze the expression of all 19,000 human protein-coding genes from a mere 30 microliters of dried Blood collected via a simple finger prick.

This innovative assay merges Cellecta's ultra-sensitive DriverMap™ EXP targeted RNA sequencing technology with Neoteryx's Mitra® microsampling devices, which utilize Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS®) technology. The Mitra devices, pre-coated with GenTegraRNA-NEO™ RNA stabilization solution, which stabilizes RNA at room temperature for up to seven days, facilitating remote, at-home sample collection without compromising RNA integrity.

“We have demonstrated that using dried blood microsamples as starting material for the DriverMap EXP profiling assay is as effective as using standard volumes of whole blood in obtaining differential expression-level data of thousands of genes." said Alex Chenchik, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer of Cellecta. “This convenient, low-volume blood collection option opens new avenues for research applications, including multi-sample, longitudinal studies aimed at discovering and validating transcriptome biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic purposes."

The DriverMap™ EXP Dried Blood Microsample Profiling Kit offers a streamlined, single-day workflow:

• Sample Collection: A finger-prick blood sample is collected using the Mitra device, which absorbs the Blood onto VAMS tips pre-treated with RNA-stabilizing solution.
• RNA Extraction and Library Preparation: RNA is extracted from the VAMS tips using a specialized buffer included in the kit. The process continues with cDNA synthesis, primer extension, and PCR amplification to prepare NGS-ready libraries.
• Sequencing and Data Analysis: The prepared libraries are sequenced on an Illumina platform. Data processing is performed using open-source Salmon software or Cellecta'ss bioinformatics services to quantify gene expression levels and analyze differential expression.

This kit is particularly advantageous for studies requiring minimal sample volumes, such as pediatric research, remote clinical trials, and longitudinal monitoring, where traditional blood draws are impractical.

The DriverMap™ EXP Dried Blood Microsample Profiling Kit is now available in configurations for 24 or 96 samples. For more information, please visit Cellecta's product page.

About Cellecta:
Cellecta, Inc. is a trusted provider of genomic products and services that advance research in drug target and biomarker discovery. Since 2006, Cellecta has collaborated with leading pharmaceutical, biotech, government, and academic institutions, applying expertise in viral vector production, functional screening, cell engineering, and multiplex RT-qPCR to help researchers identify critical genes for therapeutic development.

About Neoteryx:
Neoteryx, a Trajan Scientific and Medical Company, specializes in microsampling devices that simplify blood collection and transport. Their Mitra® devices, based on VAMS® technology, enable precise, volumetric sampling of Blood and other biological fluids, facilitating remote and at-home sample collection for various research and diagnostic.