NHS awards significant cytogenetics tender to OGT

Oxford, UK – 04 February 2014. OGT, provider of innovative genetics research and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, has been awarded a significant tender by the UK National Health Service for the supply of oligo-based arrays for cytogenetics. Involving the cooperation of a number of health authorities, the tender’s comprehensive validation process sets an excellent example for future procurement procedures. The resulting two-year agreement covers a consortium of four UK NHS Genetics Labs (Bristol, Manchester, Salisbury and Sheffield), with an additional eight labs (Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Great Ormond Street, Leeds, Leicester, Nottingham and Oxford) able to take advantage of the agreed supply framework.

In order to assess the quality of the products, each Trust laboratory submitted a variety of samples for processing. OGT was successful against a number of alternative array providers with its CytoSure ISCA 8x60k platform, designed in collaboration with the International Collaboration for Clinical Genomics (ICCG)*, to deliver standardised, evidence-based designs to the cytogenetic research community. OGT was the only supplier whose product correctly identified all the genetic abnormalities tested. The success was attributed to a combination of the array and associated CytoSure Interpret Software performance, which delivers reliable and user-friendly data analysis, providing rapid access to meaningful results. This software is provided by OGT with all CytoSure arrays.

Leading the tender process was Mr Chris Wragg, BSc., FCRPath, Head of Molecular Cytogenetics at the Bristol Genetics Laboratory. He commented: “An exhaustive procurement and evaluation process was employed as, while we want to identify the most financially viable option, we can’t afford to compromise on quality. OGT was the only company able to deliver on quality, providing the best proposal, product and customer service. What we have achieved here is an excellent model for future procurements - it has delivered savings without compromising on quality.”

Dr Mike Evans, CEO of OGT said: “We are delighted with the result of this exceptionally well-run tender. It is a testament to our strong emphasis on not only the highest quality products and services but also customer support. We are pleased to continue our relationships with Bristol, Manchester, and Salisbury and are looking forward to welcoming Sheffield and the other Trusts to our group.”

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists - including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers - not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the top tier of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.