Research Confirms Sequenom’s EpiTYPER Application Provides Methylation Analysis Suitable for Comprehensive Gene Expression Profiling
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ:SQNM), a leading provider of fine mapping genotyping, methylation and gene expression analysis solutions, today announced that research conducted under the Cancer Program at the Australian-based Garvan Institute of Medical Research demonstrated the successful utilization of Sequenom’s MassARRAY® EpiTYPER™ technology for providing detailed DNA methylation analysis critical for comprehensive profiling of normal and disease DNA methylation patterns. DNA methylation is important for the functional analysis and characterization of gene targets and is widely recognized as key to understanding, and potentially treating, various forms of cancer.
“Our EpiTYPER application represents a paradigm shift in DNA methylation analysis through its ability to provide high-throughput, cost-effective and quantitative DNA methylation analysis, making this product an indispensable tool for medium to large scale methylation studies,” stated Harry Stylli, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Sequenom. “This study is yet another example of the positive reception our MassARRAY technology has received in the genetic research community. During the past 12 months, researchers have published more than 50 separate articles in peer-reviewed journals citing their successful scientific discoveries utilizing Sequenom’s MassARRAY technology. These numerous citations, a significant increase over previous periods, are reflective of the increased adoption of MassARRAY technology as researchers have discovered and benefited from the superiority of its high sensitivity and flexibility compared with other technologies, and we expect this growth to continue.”
The research study, “Genomic Profiling of CpG Methylation and Allelic Specificity Using Quantitative High-throughput Mass Spectrometry: Critical Evaluation and Improvements,” was published in Nucleic Acids Research (September 2007). The study researchers point to the need for an accurate and quantitative method for DNA methylation analysis to unravel the mechanisms underlying developmental and pathological changes. The publication also refers to the initiation of the Human Epigenome Project, a public/private collaboration aimed at identifying, cataloging and interpreting genome-wide DNA methylation patterns to increase understanding and diagnosis of human disease.
“We believe this research conducted at the highly reputable Garvan Institute clearly endorses the EpiTYPER application as among the leading technologies for quantitative high-resolution DNA methylation analysis,” added Dr. Stylli. “We believe the ability of the EpiTYPER application to discover and validate normal and aberrant DNA methylation profiles in large cohorts has prompted its adoption by many of the world’s top cancer research laboratories and hospitals.”
About Sequenom
Sequenom is committed to providing the best genetic analysis products that translate genomic science into superior solutions for biomedical research, livestock and agricultural applications, molecular medicine, 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® and MassARRAY® and EpiTYPERTM are trademarks of SEQUENOM, Inc.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding the Company’s expectations of continued growth in MassARRAY technology adoption, the potential for DNA methylation, and commercializing non-invasive prenatal genetic tests, 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 market acceptance and demand for the Company’s products, new technology and product development and commercialization particularly for new technologies such as non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, reliance upon the collaborative efforts of other parties, research and development progress, government regulation, obtaining or maintaining regulatory approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) filings, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, most recently periodic quarterly report, and other documents subsequently filed with or furnished to the SEC. These forward-looking statements are based on current information that may change and 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 the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the issuance of this press release.