Beverly, Massachusetts, February 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LexaGene Holdings, Inc. , (TSX-V: LXG; OTCQB: LXXGF) (“the company”), A molecular diagnostics company that develops a fully automated and rapid pathogen detection system has announced that it has successfully configured the MiQ Lab ™ system to detect mutation sequences unique to the United Kingdom (UK, B. 1.1.7)1 And South Africa (SA, B.1.351)2 A mutant of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes COVID-19.A more contagious and possibly deadly British variant was first detected in the United States at the end of December and is currently identified in 33 states.3 Similarly, both SA and Brazilian variants were first detected in the United States at the end of January, and several cases have now been reported in the United States, suggesting a more widespread infection. UK, SA, and Brazilian variants are currently acquiring mutations that may reduce the efficacy of approved vaccines and therapeutics.Four,FiveLexaGene’s MiQ Lab is designed for point-of-care use and simultaneous screening of multiple respiratory pathogens, including identification of the COVID-19 strain. The system has open access, which makes it easy to load new tests into the system. This is a unique feature not found in other systems designed for Point of Care.Dr. Jack Regan, CEO and Founder of LexaGene, said: “Only three weeks ago, we designed assays to detect variants in the UK and SA, demonstrating the principle that these assays could be rapidly transplanted into MiQ Lab. Only two business days after placing these reagents in-house. , Confirmed that MiQLab can detect mutations associated with these mutants. With appropriate FDA approval, these tests are quickly sent to MiQLabs operating at Point of Care, which is faster. Detection is possible.Dr. Regan continues. “Optimistic views on the increased availability of COVID-19 vaccines are concerned that some of these new variants are not only more contagious, but may also reduce the effectiveness of these vaccines. In general, it takes more than 6 months to obtain new vaccines approved for use by the FDA, before these new variants become widespread and containment becomes nearly impossible. You need to rely on better diagnosis to stop the spread of these new variants. MiQLab’s open access design allows you to quickly configure your system to detect new variants at the Point of Care. , Our technology fills the critical test gap we have in defense against these ever-changing pathogens. “LexaGene for the COVID-19 test using an assay that is predicted to detect over 99.9% of strains circulating today based on published sequences containing UK, SA, and Brazilian variants. We are pursuing FDAEUA. At this time, LexaGene has no plans to include variant-specific tests in its first FDA study on the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 tests.As a standard practice, until the FDA permits the LexaGene device EUA for the COVID-19 test, all work using the LexaGene device is classified for research use only and cannot be used for clinical diagnosis in humans. To date, there are no FDA-approved devices designed for Point of Care and open access.We do not, at this time, explicitly or implicitly claim that our products have the ability to eliminate, cure, or contain COVID-19 (or SARS-2 coronavirus).To add to the LexaGene mailing list, subscribe on the company website.On behalf of the board of directors
Dr. Jack Regan
Chief Executive Officer and DirectorLexaGene Holdings Inc.about
LexaGene is a molecular diagnostic system for pathogen detection and genetic testing of other molecular markers for use in open-access markets such as veterinary diagnostics, food safety, and clinical research, agricultural testing, and biological defense. We are developing a molecular diagnostic system for. The end user simply collects the sample, loads it into the device using the sample preparation cartridge, enters the sample ID, and presses “move”. The MiQLab ™ system offers excellent sensitivity, specificity, and a wide range of detections that can return results in about an hour. The unique open access feature is designed for custom testing, allowing end users to load their own real-time PCR assay into the instrument to target the gene of interest.For more information, please contact:Media contacts
Nicole Ridgedale
LexaGene, Director of Corporate Marketing
800.215.1824 Extension 206
[email protected]Investor information
Jay Adelaar
LexaGene, Vice President of Capital Markets
800.215.1824 Extension 207
[email protected]TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has never inherited the benefits of the proposed transaction and has not endorsed or disapproved the content of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulatory service providers (the term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange Policy) are responsible for the validity or accuracy of this release.This news release contains forward-looking information, including known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations.Key Factors — Includes availability of funds, results of funding efforts, successful technology development efforts, cost of procuring critical components, equipment performance, market acceptance of technology, acceptance of regulations, and licensing issues. — Actual results are very different from our expectations disclosed in our documents submitted to SEDAR from time to time (see). www.sedar.com). Readers should be careful not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that are stated only as of the date of this press release. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, etc., except as required by law.1 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/SARS-CoV-2-variant-multiple-spike-protein-mutations-United-Kingdom.pdf
2 https://www.eatthis.com/news-cdc-mutant-covid-south-africa/
3 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant-cases.html
Four https://www.newscientist.com/article/2266429-uk-coronavirus-variant-gets-nastier-as-south-african-variant-spreads/
Five https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html
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LexaGene’s MiQ Lab successfully detected UK and South African mutant COVID-19 sequences, Canadian Business Journal