OGT awarded £1.2m Genomics England contract

Oxford, UK – 11 March 2015. OGT, the molecular genetics company, today announced it has been awarded a £1.2m phase two Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare contract. The contract is to develop Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis software, following the successful completion of phase one and an evaluation by Genomics England, UK Department of Health and Innovate UK.

Development of this innovative technology will increase the accuracy and ease of interpreting whole genome genetic variant data by clinicians, supporting more precise treatment decisions. In addition to the analysis of NGS data, the software will integrate a full spectrum of genetic tests, including NGS, Sanger sequencing, microarray and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). The results of these tests will be put in context via the use of both public and private databases, providing the clinician with prioritised clinically-relevant results. These easy-to-understand reports will support faster diagnosis and better patient care.

The SBRI contract is managed by Genomics England, to support the implementation of the 100,000 Genomes Project. This flagship project will sequence 100,000 whole genomes from NHS patients by 2017, producing invaluable data to enable scientific discovery and personalise patient treatment. Although the time and cost of sequencing has reduced dramatically, interpretation is currently a major bottleneck. OGT will use the SBRI funding and its considerable experience in genomic data analysis to enable the use of the 100,000 Genomes Project data by clinicians.

OGT was awarded £200k to develop the software in July 2014 during phase one of the initiative. The selection process for phase two involved an assessment of potential patient impact, technological step change and a route to commercialisation, proving OGT as a leader in the field of genomic data interpretation.

James Clough, Executive Vice President Commercial, OGT said: “The award of this £1.2m contract underlines OGT’s position as a leading developer of cutting-edge products for molecular genetics. OGT has customers in over 60 countries worldwide and will use its extensive sales and marketing infrastructure to successfully commercialise the resulting product.”

Professor Tim Hubbard, Head of Genome Analysis at Genomics England commented, “For widespread use of genome sequencing in routine health care the development of accurate and reliable interpretation software is critical. We are encouraged to see new and existing companies developing products and services in this space.”

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/