Oxford, UK – 19 December 2011. Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has responded to recent news items1 and government reports2 discussing the challenges facing the clinical adoption of next generation sequencing (NGS) by issuing a statement from its CEO, Dr Mike Evans. OGT has significant experience in this area, providing a range of genomic analysis solutions via its CytoSure™ and Genefficiency™ products and services, including a targeted sequencing offering designed to produce insightful results rather than mountains of data. Dr Evans commented: “Current opinion would suggest that the difficulties associated with complex data analysis are currently the biggest factor inhibiting the widespread adoption of NGS in the clinic. To make this technique effective, clinicians need to be able to rapidly identify important genomic variations, without the need for extensive bioinformatics expertise. For this reason, OGT’s rapidly developing targeted sequencing service provides translational researchers looking for causative mutations in patient samples with an easy-to-use data report that highlights the key findings of each study. This allows NGS data to be used quickly and efficiently, facilitating rapid diagnostic analysis and informed treatment planning.”
Dr Evans continued: “As well as easy-to-analyse data, clinicians also require fast turnaround times, even when working with large numbers of samples. As an expert service provider specifically dedicated to quick, efficient and precise high-throughput sample processing, OGT is a centre of excellence generating easy-to-use data within clinically relevant timeframes”. Dr Bernd Wollnik of the Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne, has recently utilised OGT’s Genefficiency Targeted Sequencing Service to identify causative recessive mutations in patients with selected inherited disorders. Dr Wollnik said: “Using OGT’s sequencing and analysis expertise we were able to filter over 100,000 DNA variants to a single causative mutation in a matter of minutes. We were delighted with the speed and quality of service, plus the ease-of-use of the analysis platform.”
Underpinned by exceptional bioinformatics expertise and resources, as well as independently accredited laboratory and quality control processes, OGT’s approach produces high quality data presented via a user-friendly HTML report. Intelligent data filtering mediates the identification of affected genes, while links to external databases places into context features such as insertions, deletions and single nucleotide polymorphisms. This makes it quick and easy for researchers and clinicians to extract the relevant information they require from the large data sets produced using NGS. The fact that OGT provides such a unique analysis solution, combined with the company’s leading role as part of a UK government-funded project aimed at establishing NGS-based tumour profiling, ensures that the company is already perfectly positioned to provide NGS services to clinical decision makers.
For more information about OGT’s services and products visit the new OGT website at www.ogt.co.uk.
References:
1: ‘Complete Genomics CEO Says Clinical Sequencing Will Require ‘Redefinition’ of Data Delivered’, online at GenomeWeb, 9th November 2011.
2: ‘Next steps in the sequence: The implications of whole genome sequencing for health in the UK’, PHG Foundation report, October 2011, ISBN 978-1-907198-08-3
For further information, please contact:
Oxford Gene Technology, Begbroke Science Park,
Sandy Lane, Yarnton, Oxford OX5 1PF
T: +44 (0) 1865 856826 ; F: +44 (0) 1865 848684 ; E: products@ogt.co.uk
W: www.ogt.co.uk
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.
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.
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.
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.
