OGT launches comprehensive SureSeq Myeloid NGS Panel

Oxford, UK – 18 June 2015. OGT, the molecular genetics company, today announces the launch of the SureSeq™ Myeloid Panel, a highly sensitive next generation sequencing (NGS) panel able to detect mutational changes in 25 genes in one comprehensive assay. The panel replaces the existing procedure of sequential analysis of single genes, to reduce the time and cost associated with identifying myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of diseases that cause abnormal blood cell production.

Combined with OGT’s Cytocell fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes, the panel is part of a complete solution for understanding the causes of myeloid disease. FISH probes can be used as a first molecular technique to rule out chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and other confounding disorders, after which, the SureSeq Myeloid panel can be used instead of existing sequential single-gene assays to further research the genetic causes of the disease.

The highly sensitive panel overcomes the challenges posed by heterogeneous samples, which may contain very low quantities of causative genetic variants. Research has validated the panel to accurately detect alleles down to 1% minor allele fraction (MAF) at a read depth of >1000x. OGT has worked closely with cancer experts including Professor Nick Cross (Director of the Wessex National Genetics Reference Laboratory, UK) and Mike Griffiths (Consultant Clinical Scientist at West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, UK) to define the most up-to-date gene content for the panel.

Professor Nick Cross commented, “Currently the genetic characterization of MPNs and related hereditary conditions can be time consuming and complex. The SureSeq panel should allow research into these disorders to become a much more standard procedure.”

Mike Evans, CEO of OGT commented, “Our SureSeq Myeloid Panel is part of OGT’s expanding NGS portfolio for cancer research, demonstrating OGT’s commitment to this important field. We look forward to announcing further new product developments, aimed at enhancing cancer detection and improving the laboratory workflow, over the next few months.”

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/.