SAN DIEGO, Jan. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cypher
Genomics, Inc., the leading genome informatics company, and
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM), the leading molecular diagnostics
company, today announced a development agreement for next
generation noninvasive prenatal tests (NIPT). Through this
agreement, Sequenom will utilize Cypher's genome interpretation
technology, called Mantis™, to advance analysis of
clinically-relevant fetal sub-chromosomal variants detected in
maternal blood. Often not detected until after birth,
sub-chromosomal variants comprise greater than 50 percent of rare
chromosomal abnormalities beyond the more common aneuploidies and
are associated with significant risks of morbidity and
mortality.
"We are excited to announce this development agreement with
Sequenom, the pioneer of noninvasive prenatal testing," said
Adam Simpson, president and COO of
Cypher Genomics. "We have been working closely with Sequenom to
validate our automated Mantis technology to classify
clinically-relevant sub-chromosomal genomic structural variations,
such as copy-number variations (CNVs), in circulating fetal DNA
from maternal blood samples, which may have applications in the
development of a new, more comprehensive NIPT offering."
Sequencing-based NIPT has been largely focused on whole
chromosome events, such as aneuploidies and trisomies.
Sub-chromosomal structural variations, such as microdeletions and
microduplications or CNVs, which may occur de novo, are more
difficult to detect and classify but represent a larger proportion
of clinically relevant abnormalities. The physical boundaries of
CNVs implicated in similar diseases can vary greatly, creating a
substantial challenge in accurately classifying the pathogenicity
of these structural variations for use in NIPT. As an automated and
scalable solution, Cypher's proprietary Mantis technology can help
overcome the genomic interpretation challenge and can potentially
support Sequenom's development of a next generation NIPT
offering.
"Given the clinical relevance and frequency of microdeletions
and microduplications in the general population, detecting and
classifying sub-chromosomal genomic variations would broaden the
clinical utility of our prenatal testing offerings," said
Dirk van den Boom, Ph.D., chief
scientific and strategy officer of Sequenom. "In our continued
effort to advance pregnancy care, next generation NIPT offerings
will expand the opportunity for physicians to provide parents with
more comprehensive information to improve pediatric outcomes."
Dr. van den Boom concluded, "We
have been impressed with the performance of Cypher's
industry-leading Mantis technology in our research validation
studies, and we look forward to advancing our collaboration with
Cypher Genomics as we develop a next generation NIPT offering and
expand into new areas outside of prenatal testing."
About Sequenom
Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM) is
committed to enabling healthier lives through the development of
innovative products and services. The company serves patients
and physicians by providing early patient management
information. To learn how Sequenom is interpreting the genome
to improve your life, visit www.sequenom.com and follow
@SequenomLabs.
About Cypher Genomics
Cypher Genomics is a leading
genome informatics company offering a highly accurate, rapid and
robust interpretation software solution for users of human genome
sequencing. The proprietary, automated genomic interpretation
platform allows clinical laboratories to tune Cypher Genomics'
market leading sensitivity and specificity profiles to develop
molecular tests for diagnostic and prognostic use and
pharmaceutical companies to discover biomarkers from genome
sequence data in sample sizes typical of early stage drug
development studies. Through Mantis™, the
genome interpretation software as a service offering,
and Coral™, a biomarker discovery
service, Cypher Genomics can improve health care and reduce
costs by facilitating improved diagnostic accuracy and earlier
interventions, optimizing therapeutic approaches and reducing
adverse drug reactions. Cypher Genomics is located in San Diego, California.
For more information about Cypher Genomics, visit
www.cyphergenomics.com and connect with us on Twitter
@cyphergenomics.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements contained in
this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts
are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results
may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Risks are described more fully
in Sequenom's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including without limitation Sequenom's most recent
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other documents subsequently
filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this
press release speak only as of the date on which they were
made. Sequenom undertakes no obligation to update such
statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist
after the date on which they were made.
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SOURCE Sequenom, Inc.