OGT expands leading constitutional array range

Oxford, UK – 16 March 2016. OGT, The Molecular Genetics Company, has announced the launch of its new CytoSure^® Constitutional v3 +LOH array for comprehensive genetic analysis of developmental delay disorders. Alongside the latest content for exon-level copy number variation (CNV) coverage, research-validated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) probes facilitate detection of loss of heterozygosity (LOH), enabling insightful and cost-effective analysis on a single array. The unique CNV content, already available on OGT’s CytoSure Constitutional v3 array, has received significant acclaim, with several major laboratories recently switching to this platform.

Utilising the latest discoveries from ClinGen* and the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study,^{1, 2} OGT has incorporated every known region of the genome linked to developmental disorders to deliver the most up-to-date array platform for CNV detection currently available. The CytoSure Constitutional v3 array content covers 502 targeted genes, with high probe density across the most biologically relevant regions enabling the detection of single-exon aberrations. Now with the addition of SNP probes on the new CytoSure Constitutional v3 +LOH array, a broader range of copy-neutral genetic factors can be investigated on a single array, including LOH and uniparental disomy (UPD). Moreover, the SNP probe coverage also functions as an additional validation of CNVs, reducing the need to perform follow-up investigations.

Powerful data analysis and interpretation of these advanced arrays is also streamlined with OGT’s CytoSure Interpret Software, which is provided with each array alongside full on-site training. Innovative features enable automated data analysis, minimising user intervention and maximising both consistency and speed of interpretation.

The new CytoSure Constitutional v3 +LOH array builds on the existing success of the Constitutional v3 array, which has seen significant uptake in major clinical research laboratories across Europe and North America. Adding to previous National Health Service (NHS) tender success, OGT’s platform was recently selected by the Cardiff and Vale Health Board (Wales, UK). This stringent selection process compared a variety of arrays, with OGT being chosen due to the quality of the content, which is set to enhance the service of regional NHS laboratories around the country.

West Midlands Regional Genetic Laboratory (WMRGL, Birmingham, UK) has also recently converted to OGT from an alternative supplier. Consultant Clinical Scientist at WMRGL, Dom McMullan explained: “Our decision to switch to OGT over alternative platforms was based largely on the quality of the evidence base behind the array design, allowing for a very comprehensive analysis of exons, genes and regions key in postnatal and prenatal applications. In addition the speed, flexibility and versatility of OGT’s software was very important in our decision making. Following a rigorous validation, we found this platform out-performed all others. The support provided by OGT during and after the transition has also been first-class”

Product Manager at OGT, David Cook, commented: “The expansion of our rapidly growing array portfolio to offer powerful exon-level CNV content coupled with SNP probes delivers an uncompromising best of both worlds for clinical researchers. We are delighted to witness the rapid adoption of our technology by a number of additional, prestigious laboratories this year — which really attests to the quality of our arrays and also our dedicated customer support.”

* Formerly ISCA/ICCG.

References

1. Large-scale discovery of novel genetic causes of developmental disorders. The Deciphering Developmental Disorders Study. Fitzgerald, T.W. et al, Nature 519, 223–228 (12 March 2015) 
2. Genetic diagnosis of developmental disorders in the DDD study: a scalable analysis of genome-wide research data. Fitzgerald, T.W. et al, The Lancet 385, No. 9975, p1305–1314, (4 April 2015)

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/.