SAN DIEGO and SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With the introduction of its new DNA methylation and quantitative gene expression (QGE) analysis service business, Sequenom, Inc. provides researchers with a sensitive and precise application to obtain critical information for disease detection and classification. This new service was unveiled today at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 55th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. DNA methylation is an important mechanism of gene regulation (gene expression) and has a broad impact on many areas including prenatal genetic analysis and cancer research. The Company believes its approach in applying its proprietary iPLEX(TM) multiplexing assay with quantitative methylation profiling and QGE analysis is about five times more cost effective for large-scale use than competing technologies.
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The launch of the service function allows researchers worldwide to access the MassARRAY(R) solution for the quantitative analysis and profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression. Sequenom also intends to launch DNA methylation and QGE as new application products available to all MassARRAY system customers in the first quarter of 2006.
“Based on the quality and cost effectiveness of the data generated by our new applications during beta site testing, the initial response from the genetic/disease research community to our DNA methylation and QGE analysis capabilities is positive and promising,” stated Charles Cantor, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Sequenom. “We believe our MassARRAY genetic analysis platform is uniquely able to provide precise quantitative methylation and gene expression analysis, in addition to accurate SNP fine mapping studies, all on one system. Combined with iPLEX’s cost effectiveness, we believe Sequenom will have a powerful cost competitive advantage. Since methylation regulates for gene expression, the ability to analyze both biomarkers on a single platform is a significant technological advantage.”
“Sequenom is in a strong position to enter the emerging market of DNA methylation and quantitative gene expression analysis initially with a service offering. The DNA methylation and quantitative gene expression service capability should enable us to reach new prospective customers and help accelerate our sales cycle by supporting feasibility studies. We intend to make these important applications available as products for the MassARRAY system by Q1 2006,” commented Harry Stylli, MBA, Ph.D., President and CEO at Sequenom. “We expect to continue to evolve these products as our customers’ new needs emerge.”
Methylation and Beta Site Results
Sequenom’s methylation method is represented in a poster session at the ASHG meeting. Respected researcher Ioannis Ragoussis, Ph.D., Head of the Genomics Group at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford will discuss his preliminary results from the beta testing of Sequenom’s new applications. His poster is entitled, “High-throughput detection and quantification of CpG sites methylation levels in the genome using MassCLEAVE(TM) technology.” An abstract is available at www.ashg.org.
CpG sites, short stretches of DNA with higher frequency of the CG sequence, typically appear in clusters, called CpG islands. The CpG islands represent locations in the genome at which methylation predominantly occurs. The degree of methylation present in CpG islands contributes to the regulation of gene activity in the particular genomic region.
“We have evaluated the MassARRAY system for methylation analysis and found that its MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry can accomplish quantitative methylation profiling of multiple target genes and gene regions as well as highly accurate quantification of individual CpG sites,” said Dr. Ragoussis. “The implementation of robust high-throughput quantitative methylation profiling methods is paramount for a better understanding of the role of epigenetic contributions to disease and disease progression.”
The sensitivity and precision of Sequenom’s Mass ARRAY system allows researchers to obtain high quality quantitative information and helps researchers to better understand the role of epigenetic changes in human disease.
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), MassCLEAVE(TM), MassARRAY(R), and iPLEX(TM) are trademarks of SEQUENOM, Inc.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements related to Sequenom’s new analysis service business and intended product launches and the timing thereof, the cost effectiveness, advantages, and quality of new services and products, and its ability to reach new prospective customers and accelerate its sales cycle, 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 and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of any new service, technology, product or application, including but not limited to customer demand and acceptance, 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, 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.
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CONTACT: Investor Relations, Amy Caterina of SEQUENOM, Inc.,+1-858-202-9033, acaterina@sequenom.com
