SAN DIEGO and LINCOLN, Neb., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ Sequenom, Inc. and GeneSeek, Inc. announced today that GeneSeek has agreed to purchase Sequenom’s proprietary MassARRAY(R) genetic analysis system for animal diagnostic testing, traceability and contract research and development. GeneSeek intends to use Sequenom’s high throughput MassARRAY system which offers flexible panel design, accuracy and call rate efficiency to conduct animal genotyping for a number of its customers. For example, GeneSeek will use the MassARRAY system to perform high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of cattle in support of their recently announced collaboration with Merial Limited.
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“We are pleased that GeneSeek selected Sequenom’s MassARRAY system with the iPLEX(TM) assay,” stated Harry Stylli, MBA, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Sequenom, Inc. “There is growing demand for our platform in the high growth potential animal genotyping market.”
“Our genotyping services are relevant to gene discovery, diagnostic testing and identity management across many species, with important applications for agribusiness, food safety and pharmaceutical research,” stated Abraham Oommen, Chief Executive Officer of GeneSeek, Inc. “The iPLEX assay’s flexibility supported our choice of Sequenom’s MassARRAY system for providing SNP genotyping services to our global customer base.”
Sequenom’s iPLEX(TM) Assay
Sequenom’s new iPLEX assay reduces reagent costs per genotype and offers efficient assay design. Sequenom intends to continue reducing the cost per genotype in its core genotyping business by developing next generation iPLEX products with increased multiplexing levels.
About GeneSeek
Established in 1998 and based in Lincoln, NE, GeneSeek, Inc. is a privately held, global biotechnology company dedicated to providing quality DNA-based diagnostic and discovery products and services. With over 100 customers in many countries, GeneSeek is committed to being an innovative and dynamic company serving the agribusiness, food safety and pharmaceutical markets.
About Sequenom
Sequenom is committed to providing the best genetic analysis products that translate genomic science into superior solutions for biomedical research, molecular medicine and agricultural applications. 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.
Sequenom(R), MassARRAY(R), iPLEX(TM) are trademarks of Sequenom, Inc.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding GeneSeek, Inc.'s expected use of the MassARRAY system and iPLEX assay, demand for Sequenom’s platform, the potential of the animal genotyping market, and Sequenom’s intentions to develop next generation iPLEX products, 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 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, 2004, and its most recently filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that is likely to change and speak only as of the date hereof. 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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CONTACT: Investor Relations, Annette Padilla, MPH of Sequenom, Inc.,+1-858-202-9034, apadilla@sequenom.com; or Daniel Pomp, Ph.D., ChiefScientific Officer of GeneSeek, Inc., +1-402-435-0665, dpomp@geneseek.com
