Illumina's BeadArray™ Technology to Enable Large-Scale Genetic Research and Expanded Scope of SNP Genotyping Services at the University
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, July 9, 2003 -- Illumina, Inc. (Nasdaq: ILMN) announced today an agreement with Johns Hopkins University for the purchase of Illumina's BeadLab. The BeadLab, a production-scale SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotyping laboratory, will constitute an integral component of the University's state-of-the-art resources devoted to understanding the functional implications of sequence variation in the human genome and other model organisms.
The BeadLab genotyping laboratory will be installed in the University's Genetic Resources Core Facility (GRCF) and used by GRCF to perform whole-genome and fine-mapping studies against hundreds to thousands of samples. Such large-scale studies will help researchers understand the role of genetic variation in disease susceptibility and facilitate the identification of genes associated with complex diseases. In addition, the agreement grants GRCF the opportunity to offer fee-based genotyping services to researchers outside the University.
The SNP genotyping facility will also be used by the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR), which is supported through a federally funded contract to Johns Hopkins University. CIDR concentrates its efforts on the study and understanding of multifactorial hereditary diseases.
The genotyping laboratory solution is built around Illumina's proprietary BeadArray technology and features high sample throughput from unprecedented multiplex levels. The multiplex levels combined with the BeadLab's integrated, automated laboratory solution generates low running cost per SNP scored. The complete offering is fully integrated to ensure optimal SNP genotyping performance. Included in the turnkey offering are the BeadArray Reader, GoldenGate™ assay reagents and protocols, LIMS and analytical software, fluid-handling robotics, and access to Sentrix™ Array Matrices, along with installation, start-up, training, and support services. When installed, the genotyping laboratory at GRCF will have the capacity to produce routinely six hundred thousand genotypes per day.
The BeadLab agreement follows large studies previously completed by Illumina's Genotyping Services facility for Johns Hopkins. One of these studies was designed to identify genetic factors associated with cleft lip and palate, isolated craniosynostosis, and related conditions.
"Johns Hopkins is a world leader in genetic research," stated Jay Flatley, Illumina President and CEO. "We're very pleased to expand our relationship with the University and help accelerate their pioneering efforts in this field. Illumina's genotyping system provides a high degree of accuracy and sample throughput along with low cost per genotype. This new capability will enable Johns Hopkins to perform significantly larger-scale studies while offering the opportunity to complete those studies in a very timely manner."
In addition to conducting studies in molecular biology and genetics, GRCF sponsors various educational programs and hosts product seminars and a biennial symposium. Additional information about John Hopkins University's Genetic Research Core Facility can be found at http://grcf.jhmi.edu. More information regarding CIDR is available at http://www.cidr.jhmi.edu.
Illumina (www.illumina.com) is developing next-generation tools that permit large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function. The Company's proprietary BeadArray™ technology provides the throughput, cost effectiveness and flexibility to enable researchers in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries to perform the billions of tests necessary to extract medically valuable information from advances in genomics and proteomics. This information will help pave the way to personalized medicine.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: this release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are Illumina's ability to fully develop its BeadArray and Oligator technologies, the Company's ability to successfully build international sales and support organizations to install and service its laboratory facilities at customer locations, the Company's ability to develop and deploy new applications for its platform technology, and other factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. Illumina disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements beyond the date of this release.