OGT expands CytoSure aCGH offering with high resolution Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy array

Oxford, UK – 30 October 2009. OGT, the pioneer of microarray based technologies, has introduced the high resolution CytoSure^® DMD array. Featuring a 4x44k format and dense probe coverage of the DMD gene region, this new array offers increased confidence in detecting deletions and duplications within the DMD gene.

OGT’s bioinformatics expertise together with extensive input from Emory Genetics Laboratory and the array manufacturing precision of Agilent Technologies ensures confidence in quality and performance. The CytoSure DMD array has undergone a process of empirical testing and optimisation to provide probe sets of extremely high sensitivity and specificity. Average exon probe spacing of 10 bp (106 bp within introns) ensures excellent resolution. As a result the entire DMD gene is covered on a single 44,000 feature array, which enables 4 full arrays per slide, maximising cost-efficiency by reducing the cost per sample.

John Anson, Research and Development Director at OGT, stated, “By combining Emory Genetics Laboratory and OGT’s expertise in microarray design we believe that we are bringing a powerful tool to the market that will improve our understanding of the deletions and duplications that can occur within the DMD gene. We hope that the CytoSure DMD array will contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis of the muscular dystrophies and will ultimately lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.”

The CytoSure DMD array adds to OGT’s comprehensive portfolio of products and services, which together provide a complete solution to running oligo aCGH in the laboratory, from set-up to result. Manual processing and analysis of the CytoSure DMD array is straightforward using the CytoSure DMD array, CytoSure Genomic DNA labelling kit and the comprehensive new CytoSure Interpret Software. For higher throughput applications, the CytoSure DMD array is fully compatible with SciGene workflow automation products (now distributed in Europe by OGT).

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/.