Good Start Genetics, Inc. Enters Exclusive License Agreement With Johns Hopkins University For Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Proprietary Technology to Enable Simpler Workflows and Decreased Costs for the Detection of Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities from a Maternal Blood Sample

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Good Start Genetics^®, Inc., a commercial-stage molecular genetics information company, today announced that it has expanded its exclusive relationship with Johns Hopkins University (JHU) for FAST-SeqS, Fast Aneuploidy Screening Test-Sequencing System, to include applications in noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and related know-how. The technology was invented by Drs. Bert Vogelstein, Ken Kinzler, Isaac Kinde and Nickolas Papadopoulos of JHU. In December, the company announced an exclusive license to the technology for preimplantation genetic screening (or PGS).

“We are pleased with our early experience with FAST-SeqS for preimplantation genetic screening and believe this technology and know-how, and our ongoing collaborative relationship with Drs. Vogelstein and Kinzler offer great promise in NIPT, enabling easier workflows, lower costs and broader accessibility for patients.”

“The expansion of our relationship with JHU underscores our commitment to excellence in reproductive genetics and our aligned vision with JHU around cutting-edge science,” stated Don Hardison, president and chief executive officer of Good Start Genetics. “We are pleased with our early experience with FAST-SeqS for preimplantation genetic screening and believe this technology and know-how, and our ongoing collaborative relationship with Drs. Vogelstein and Kinzler offer great promise in NIPT, enabling easier workflows, lower costs and broader accessibility for patients.”

FAST-SeqS is a simple, efficient method to detect non-invasively the chromosome number of a fetus by sequencing fetal DNA isolated from maternal plasma. The technology uses a single primer pair to selectively amplify distinct sections of the genome that occur on every chromosome. Compared to other maternal plasma DNA sequencing approaches, FAST-SeqS offers the powerful combination of simplicity in approach and lower cost – critical elements for competitive advantage in this space.

About Good Start Genetics, Inc.

Good Start Genetics is a molecular genetics information company transforming the standard of care in reproductive medicine by providing clinicians and patients with clinically relevant and actionable information concerning inherited and other genetic disorders. Good Start Genetics’ suite of reproductive genetics products are designed to promote successful pregnancies through advanced technologies. The Company’s flagship genetic carrier screening service, GoodStart Select™, provides a comprehensive menu of tests for known and novel mutations that cause inherited genetic disorders. Good Start complements its proprietary next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) capabilities at the core of GoodStart Select with other proven genetic screening technologies, as well as world-class customer care and genetic counseling. For more information, please visit www.goodstartgenetics.com.