Johns Hopkins University Purchases Sequenom MassARRAY Platform
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ:SQNM), a leading provider of genetic analysis solutions, today announced the purchase of Sequenom’s MassARRAY(R) system by the DNA Diagnostic Lab of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine and the Translational Technology Core of the Institute for Translational Clinical Research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Scientists plan to use the system as a platform for genotyping, clinical genotyping, DNA methylation and quantitative gene expression (QGE) analyses.
“The Sequenom MassARRAY system brings new high-throughput genetic analysis technology to the Hopkins campus that will facilitate efficient translation of genomic discoveries to clinical application,” said Dr. Garry R. Cutting, Director of the DNA Diagnostic Laboratory and Director of the Medical Genetics Residency Post-doctoral Training Program.
Aravinda Chakravarti, Ph.D., Director, Center for Complex Disease Genomics, stated, “Given the rapid progress in discovery of polymorphisms in human disease, it is important that we replicate and validate these findings in many types and cohorts of patients to understand the full spectrum of the natural history of mutations. This technology will allow us to progress rapidly, accurately and in a cost-effective manner.”
“We are gratified by the MassARRAY system placement at the distinguished Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, which is home to some of the most globally recognized and world-renowned experts in genetics research,” said Sequenom President and CEO Harry Stylli, Ph.D. “The MassARRAY’s robust throughput capability and proven reliability make it ideal for broad-based use in research institutions and academic medical centers worldwide.”
About Sequenom
Sequenom is committed to providing the best genetic analysis products for research and the molecular diagnostic markets. The Company makes available superior solutions for genomic science in biomedical research, livestock and agricultural applications and molecular medicine, as well as for various diagnostic markets, including noninvasive prenatal testing, oncology and infectious diseases. Sequenom’s proprietary MassARRAY system delivers reliable and specific data from complex biological samples and from genetic target materials available only in trace amounts.
Sequenom(R) and MassARRAY(R) are trademarks of Sequenom, Inc.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements regarding Johns Hopkins’ planned use of the Company’s MassARRAY system, 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 Company’s operating performance, demand for and market acceptance of the Company’s products, services, and technologies, new technology and product development and commercialization particularly for new technologies such as molecular diagnostics, and particularly noninvasive prenatal diagnostics, reliance upon the collaborative efforts of other parties, research and development progress, competition, 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, 2007 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.