Oxford Gene Technology Ltd. Releases New Microarray for High Coverage Analysis of Disease-causing Genomic Variation

Oxford, UK – 21 March 2012. Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has today released the latest addition to its range of CytoSure™ ISCA microarrays for reliable and standardised genomic aberration detection. The new patent pending CytoSure ISCA +SNP (4x180k) array combines array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH) probes, endorsed by the International Standards for Cytogenomic Arrays (ISCA) Consortium, with fully validated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) content. This allows the accurate and cost-effective detection of copy number changes and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) using a single array. As the newest member of the CytoSure ISCA array portfolio, the CytoSure™ ISCA +SNP array includes enhanced SNP coverage for high-resolution LOH detection. This means that the analysis of genetically complex samples from related individuals is now even more accurate and in-depth, while integration with OGT’s powerful and intuitive CytoSure Interpret Software ensures that analysis is easy, fast and insightful.

James Clough, Vice President Clinical and Genomic Solutions at OGT, commented: “For several years, OGT has worked closely with ISCA to design a range of arrays focused on providing standardised, evidence-based content. The latest CytoSure ISCA +SNP design is part of our ongoing commitment to further enhancing the accuracy, reproducibility and efficiency of genomic analysis using microarrays, by creating powerful, multi-feature arrays that generate as much relevant data as possible.”

Although aCGH is the gold standard for detecting copy number variation (CNV), until recently it was not possible to combine this technique with LOH and uniparental disomy (UPD) detection using SNP probes. This meant that either two separate arrays were needed, or that inferior SNP-based CNV detection platforms were used. To solve this problem, the CytoSure ISCA +SNP array allows CNV and SNP detection to be carried out on a single array, using optimised probes that are fit for each purpose. By allowing both methods to work efficiently under standard CytoSure aCGH hybridisation conditions, these arrays fit seamlessly into existing workflows. To provide as much relevant information as possible, the arrays include content specifically designed to focus on disease and syndrome-associated regions, in addition to offering whole genome ‘backbone’ coverage.

To simplify the analysis of samples such as those suspected of exhibiting UPD, OGT provides all users of CytoSure arrays with its industry-leading CytoSure Interpret Software. With various innovative features, the software maximises the ease, consistency and speed of data interpretation, while minimising the need for user intervention. The results provided include extensive annotation tracks covering syndromes, genes, exons, CNVs and recombination hotspots, while links to publicly available databases put results into context. Using the comprehensive range of CytoSure products, the transition from sample to biological insight is always fast, accurate and reliable.

For further information, please contact:

Oxford Gene Technology, Begbroke Science Park, Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Oxford OX5 1PF, U.K.

T: +44 (0) 1865 856826 ; F: +44 (0) 1865 848684 ; E: products@ogt.co.uk

W: www.ogt.co.uk ; Twitter: @OxfordGeneTech

About Oxford Gene Technology

Founded by Professor Ed Southern, Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) provides innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine. www.ogt.co.uk.

Biomarker Discovery: OGT delivers tailored biomarker discovery solutions that optimise drug and diagnostic development programmes. With expertise in genomic and proteomic diagnostic biomarkers, OGT provides highly specific customised biomarker panels for cancer and other diseases, both for direct sale and also for collaboration with partner companies. Clinical & Genomic Solutions: OGT’s Genefficiency™ is a unique combination of world-leading platforms, people, processing power and performance synchronised to deliver rapid, high-quality genomic data to customers worldwide. OGT’s CytoSure™ cytogenetics array, labelling and interpretation software products and services provide a complete solution for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Together, Genefficiency and CytoSure offer a unique, standardised and integrated solution for cytogenetics research.

CytoSure™: For research use only

This product is provided under an agreement between Agilent Technologies, Inc., and OGT. The manufacture, use, sale or import of this product may be subject to one or more of U.S. patents, pending applications, and corresponding international equivalents, owned by Agilent Technologies, Inc. The purchaser has the non-transferable right to use and consume the product for RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT for DIAGNOSTICS PROCEDURES. It is not intended for use, and should not be used, for the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of any disease or condition, or for the investigation of any physiological process, in any identifiable human, or for any other medical purpose.

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