LEXINGTON, Mass. and HEIDELBERG, Germany, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- febit and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) today announced the formation of a collaboration in which TGen will evaluate Next-Generation-Sequencing equipment in conjunction with febit's proprietary Geniom(R) Microarray Technology.

febit's HybSelect(TM) Technology enables selective DNA capture and elution, an extremely efficient method to preselect sequences for Next-Generation Sequencers. HybSelect is based on febit's proven Geniom Technology and uses arrays within microfludic biochips for the selection process of targeted DNA. Geniom biochips are programmable and can contain any desired set of capture probes. The new method combines the extraordinary performance of latest sequencers with the efficient selection capabilities of Geniom Technology.

"We are delighted to have TGen as our first U.S. pilot user of HybSelect with the latest sequencing instrumentation," said Cord F. Staehler, president of febit. "We will obtain important data from TGen that will help us as we prepare for the official introduction of HybSelect in early 2009." The collaboration provides TGen scientists pre-market access to a highly developed DNA capturing method.

"There's been a great deal of conversation on the future direction of genomic research centers on next generation sequencing," said Matthew Huentelman, Ph.D., TGen associate investigator and lead collaborator on this project. "This collaboration on the use and further development of this method enhances the opportunities for TGen researchers to make a difference in research utilizing next generation sequencing."

TGen has been a user of the Geniom One device for the production and microarray analysis of Geniom Biochips since 2006.

About febit

febit enables scientists to read, write and understand the code of life: DNA. With its unique Geniom technology and services, febit is the only company that puts the control of simplified genomic research in the hand of the user. The seamless integration of DNA synthesis and analysis and the superior support in experiment design and bioinformatics helps to understand data and turn it into results. febit's team of experienced scientists is dedicated to support customers to solve the challenge of understanding biological processes. Geniom is a technological and service platform successfully implemented in basic and applied research by renowned institutions and companies. Geniom exploits cutting-edge microarray technology for analysis and synthesis of genes and genomes, providing superior time- and cost-efficiency combined with an unsurpassed spectrum of applications.

www.febit.com

About TGen

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen's vision is of a world where an understanding of genomic variation can be rapidly translated in a manner tailored to individual patients.

CONTACT: Eva Sterzel, Public Relations Manager of febit holding gmbh,
+49-6221-6510-300, eva.sterzel@febit.de; or David Schull,
david.schull@russopartnersllc.com, or Wendy Lau,
wendy.lau@russopartnersllc.com, both of Russo Partners, LLC,
+1-212-845-4271, for febit

Web site: http://www.febit.com/
http://www.tgen.org/