OGT to launch new cancer focused CytoSure array at CCMC meeting

Oxford, UK – 30 July 2013. OGT, provider of innovative genetics research and biomarker solutions to advance molecular medicine, will launch its new CytoSure^® Consortium Cancer +SNP array (4x180k) at the Cancer Cytogenomics Microarray Consortium (CCMC) and Cytogenomics Array Group (CAGdb) combined meeting in Chicago on the 5^th- 7^th August, booth 4.

The new CytoSure Consortium Cancer +SNP array allows the simultaneous detection of copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH), with a SNP resolution that enables reporting of LOH at 10Mb. Focusing on content recommended by the CCMC, an international organisation of clinical cytogeneticists, molecular cytogeneticists and molecular pathologists, this targeted array covers over 500 cancer genes and 130 cancer-associated genomic regions for haematological malignancies and solid tumours. The CCMC-approved standardised array design is intended to improve clinical research quality and promotes collaboration and communication between cancer cytogenomics laboratories.

The new array will be the latest addition to a range of OGT microarrays specifically designed for detecting CNV and LOH on a single array for cancer research. This includes the recently released CytoSure Cancer +SNP array (4x180k) covering 1500 cancer associated genes and the CytoSure Haematological Cancer + SNP array (8x60k) focused specifically on haematological cancers. Due to the unique design of OGT’s SNP probes, there are no changes to the standard aCGH protocol, no restriction digest is required and any reference sample can be used. This enables the use of matched samples which is a particular advantage in cancer research, allowing constitutional abnormalities to be filtered out. For effortless data analysis, OGT’s CytoSure Interpret Software is supplied with all CytoSure arrays and delivers reliable and user-friendly data analysis, providing rapid access to meaningful results.

James Clough, Executive Vice President Commercial at OGT, said: “The new CytoSure Consortium Cancer +SNP array is part of OGT’s commitment to advancing the field of cytogenetic cancer research. OGT’s collaborations in the design and development of our arrays with international organisations such as the CCMC who are leaders in cancer cytogenetics research, are testament to this. By providing reliable, high-quality CNV and SNP detection for haematological malignancies and solid cancers, these arrays are valuable tools for accurately and efficiently defining the genetic nature of cancers, advancing research into novel and improved therapeutics”.

Delegates of the CCMC / CAGdb meeting can find out more about OGT’s expertise in cancer cytogenetics by attending a talk by Ephrem Chin, Regional Sales manager at OGT, entitled ‘Oxford Gene Technology – Meeting laboratory needs.’ The talk will be presented as part of the ‘Data quality and QC metrics’ workshop at 1 – 3pm on the 6^th August and provides an opportunity for researchers to share in OGT’s extensive experience in high-throughput array processing and associated QC metrics and data analysis.

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/.