SAN DIEGO, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sequenom, Inc. today announced that the highly regarded, state-of-the-art Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), has significantly expanded its nucleic acid analysis capabilities by upgrading its genetic analysis facility to include two new MassARRAY(R) systems with application software packages for running Sequenom's new iPLEX(TM) Gold genotyping assay. The GIS will also use Sequenom's epigenetic analysis solution, known as the EpiTYPER(TM) assay, for studying DNA methylation patterns, which are widely recognized to be key to understanding and potentially treating, various forms of cancer.
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"We have been a Sequenom customer for several years and Sequenom's latest technology is particularly attractive for our population genetics research and fine mapping genetic analysis needs due to the rapid, high-quality results that it produces at a very low cost per genotype," said Professor Edison T. Liu, M.D., Senior Investigator, present and founding Executive Director of GIS. "Epigenetic analyses are also an important part of our investigation of the genes controlling the biology of human breast cancer and we look forward to benefiting from the operational and cost efficiencies provided by the uniquely high scope and throughput capabilities of Sequenom's EpiTYPER assay product."
Sequenom's recently launched iPLEX Gold assay provides a cost per data point of about 3 1/2 cents for typical fine mapping genotyping studies with routine multiplexing at 36 times per reaction and, depending upon the complexity of the specific assay, potentially up to 40 times per reaction. Unlike traditional methods that assess methylation activity at individual CpG sites in the genome, Sequenom's EpiTYPER assay, launched earlier this year, improves efficiency by quantitatively assessing methylation ratios simultaneously across multiple CpG sites over multiple samples.
"We believe that GIS's decision to upgrade with Sequenom's MassARRAY systems and software packages is based on its recognition of the superior results and significant cost savings of our technology," said Harry Stylli, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Sequenom. "We are pleased to build upon our longstanding relationship with GIS, and look forward to continuing to meet its present and future genetic analysis needs through excellent customer service and innovative technology development."
About the Genome Institute of Singapore
The Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), is a national initiative with a global vision that seeks to use genomic sciences to improve public health and public prosperity. As a center for genomic discovery, the GIS pursues the integration of technology, genetics and biology towards the goal of individualized medicine. The GIS is the national flagship program for the genomic sciences in Singapore.
In March 2001 Professor Edison T. Liu, who previously served as Director of the Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute (U.S.), was appointed the first Executive Director of GIS. As a molecular biologist, epidemiologist and physician, Professor Liu embodies the core values of GIS: scientific integration, medical focus and internationalization.
In October 2003 the GIS opened its new 7,200-square-meter advanced research facility, the Genome, which is set in the Biopolis -- a 180 hectare biomedical city within the Buona Vista Science Hub. GIS plans to ultimately house more than 300 scientists, trainees and staff at this facility. The major technical platforms of high-throughput sequencing, molecular cytogenetics, bioinformatics, proteomics and expression array technologies have been integrated with programs in molecular and cellular biology, computational biology and population genetics.
About Sequenom
Sequenom is committed to providing the best genetic analysis products that translate genomic science into superior solutions for biomedical research, molecular medicine, agricultural applications, and non-invasive prenatal testing. The Company's proprietary MassARRAY system is a high-performance DNA analysis platform that efficiently and precisely measures the amount of genetic target material and variations therein. The system is able to deliver reliable and specific data from complex biological samples and from genetic target material that is only available in trace amounts. The Company has exclusively licensed intellectual property rights for the development and commercialization of non-invasive prenatal genetic tests for use with the MassARRAY system and other platforms.
Sequenom(R), MassARRAY(R), iPLEX(TM) and EpiTYPER(TM) are trademarks of Sequenom, Inc.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding GIS's use of Sequenom's products and the benefits from such use, and Sequenom's ability to continue to meet GIS's present and future genetic analysis needs through excellent customer service and innovative technology development, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward- looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the risks associated with newly launched products and reliance upon the efforts of others such as GIS, risks associated with technology and product development, and other risks detailed from time to time in Sequenom's SEC filings, including Sequenom's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and its most recently filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that is likely to change. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward- looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Sequenom undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.
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