OGT launches Medical Research Exome Array at ASHG

Oxford, UK – 14 October 2014. OGT, The Molecular Genetics Company, will launch its CytoSure^® Medical Research Exome Array at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2014, taking place in San Diego on October 18-22.

Developed with leading molecular genetics experts at Emory University, the new array is highly targeted and exon-focussed, enabling the accurate detection of medical research relevant microdeletions and microduplications. The high-density array (1x1M) contains over 4,600 hand-curated genes, which have been grouped into disease- and syndrome-specific panels. This research-validated gene content can also be customised for varying array formats (2x400k, 4x180k or 8x60k) and diseases, enabling researchers to create bespoke solutions to suit both their content and throughput requirements.

Genetic disorders are rarely caused by an isolated mutation within a single gene, and one or many genes can contribute to one or multiple disorders. It is therefore vital to assess many different genes in order to gain a true picture of the underlying genetic landscape. OGT’s new array meets the needs of the medical research community by providing coverage of hand-curated, medically relevant genes on one array, enabling the detection of single or multiple exonic copy number variations (CNVs). As such, the array is an ideal complement to other genomic technologies, such as next generation sequencing (NGS), to provide accurate analysis of the full mutation spectrum. James Clough, Executive Vice President Commercial at OGT, said: “The new CytoSure Medical Research Exome Array is the latest addition to OGT’s portfolio and is another example of our commitment to providing high-quality and reliable tools to advance and improve research. The hand-curated, customisable and research-validated gene content, was made possible through OGT’s much-valued collaboration with leading molecular genetics experts at Emory University.”

At ASHG, OGT is inviting delegates to a workshop titled ‘Arrays and NGS — High Resolution Analysis of the Medical Exome’ on October 20 at 14.45 in the Exhibit Theatre. Speakers include Professor of Human Genetics, Madhuri Hegde, Executive Director at Emory Genetics Laboratory and Dr Mike Evans, Chief Executive, OGT. Attendees of the workshop will hear about the development of OGT’s new CytoSure Medical Research Exome Array and how this technology is being used to complement NGS and Sanger sequencing for the accurate detection of point mutations and single exon copy number aberrations.

Delegates can also visit booths 320 and 322 to find out more about the new range of CytoCell^® FISH probes, the CytoSure range of constitutional, molecular and cancer arrays and the new SureSeq™ Solid Tumour NGS Panel.

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/.