VeraCode Digital Microbead Technology Delivers Unparalleled Multiplexing Range, Accuracy, and Data Quality
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2007--Illumina, Inc.(NASDAQ: ILMN) today announced the launch of the BeadXpress(TM)System. Based on its proprietary VeraCode(TM) digital microbeadtechnology, this system represents a significant step forward forresearch and clinical development applications. Utilizing uniquelyinscribed digital microbeads, VeraCode technology provideshigh-quality data, broad multiplexing capability, and assayflexibility. The two-color laser detection capability of theBeadXpress system is ideally suited for low- to mid multiplexexperiments. Using this system, researchers can assay tens to hundredsof analytes in a single sample at one time. Key application areasinclude biomarker research and validation, pharmaceutical development,industrial testing, agriculture, clinical research, and thedevelopment of molecular diagnostic assays. BeadXpress systems andassociated reagent kits are currently shipping.
Duke University and John's Hopkins University have each recentlyreceived BeadXpress systems as part of a priority access program."Human disease studies have made remarkable progress since theintroduction of the Infinium whole-genome genotyping BeadChips. Theaddition of VeraCode and the BeadXpress system will fulfill a criticalunmet need for researchers who want to replicate the most associatedpolymorphisms emerging from these studies, allowing us to accurately,inexpensively, and quickly retest the top 50 or 100 polymorphisms invery large sample sizes," said Kevin Shianna, Ph.D., Director of DukeUniversities IGSP Genotyping Facility. "We look forward to applyingthis technology to our own studies in both host response to infectiousdisease and schizophrenia."
The BeadXpress system and VeraCode technology were piloted at theUniversity of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University ofPittsburgh. Results reported by researchers at UCI showed outstandingdata quality, ease-of-use, and high concordance with Illumina'sBeadArray technology.
"This is a revolution in technology that provides a cost-effectiveand flexible solution for researchers performing a wide variety ofexperiments, including biomarker validation, routine testing, and thedevelopment of molecular diagnostics," said Mickie Henshall, SeniorProduct Manager of Molecular Diagnostics at Illumina. "This noveltechnology enables rapid reaction rates of solution-based assays withthe multiplexing power commonly seen with microarrays."
"In January we announced research collaborations with theChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Mayo Clinic to developscreening assays that profile inherited and complex diseases usingVeraCode technology. These agreements are an example of our potentialto implement new research and clinical tests in the diagnosticmarket," said Jay Flatley, President and Chief Executive Officer ofIllumina. "In addition to demonstrating clear economic benefits,excellent performance, and efficiency in the lab, the BeadXpresssystem represents an integral part of our broader vision for thedeployment of genomics in medicine."
About VeraCode and the BeadXpress System
Illumina's VeraCode technology platform leverages the power ofdigital holographic codes to provide a robust detection method forlow-cost multiplex assays requiring high precision, accuracy, andspeed. This novel technology enables solution-based assays with themultiplexing power of microarrays. Comprised of cylindrical glassparticles, VeraCode microbeads are inscribed with holographic elementsthat, when excited with a laser beam, diffract the beam to produce aunique code image. The glass surface of the microbeads provides anideal surface for numerous bioassays, including genotyping, geneexpression, and protein-based assays. Assays are created by poolingtogether microbeads with code diversities ranging from a few toseveral hundreds of codes that have been functionalized with capturebiomolecules (oligos, cDNA, or protein).
The patented BeadXpress Reader is used to scan the beads in theassay for their code and fluorescence signals. The analysis softwareconverts the code image into a decimal code, which can be interpretedto represent information such as analyte, sample ID, laboratory ID,lot numbers, reagent kits, etc. Illumina has effectively demonstratedrobust performance in several multiplex genotyping, gene expression,and protein assays.
For more information on VeraCode and the BeadXpress system, pleasevisit www.illumina.com/veracode.
About Illumina
Illumina (www.illumina.com) is developing next-generation toolsfor the large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities LitigationReform Act of 1995: This release may contain forward-lookingstatements that involve risks and uncertainties. Among the importantfactors that could cause actual results to differ materially fromthose in any forward-looking statements are the costs and outcome ofIllumina's litigation with Affymetrix, our ability to effectivelyintegrate our recent acquisition of Solexa, Inc., Illumina's abilityto further develop and commercialize its BeadArray technologies and todeploy new gene expression and genotyping products and applicationsfor its platform technology, Illumina's ability to manufacture robustSentrix(R) arrays and Oligator(R) oligonucleotides, Illumina's abilityto scale and integrate CyVera technology, and other factors detailedin the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commissionincluding its recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q or in informationdisclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which arereleased beforehand. Illumina disclaims any intent or obligation toupdate these forward-looking statements beyond the date of thisrelease.
CONTACT: Illumina, Inc.
Jay Flatley
President & CEO
858-202-4567
jflatley@illumina.com
or
Maurissa Bornstein
Manager, Public Relations
858-332-4055
mbornstein@illumina.com
SOURCE: Illumina, Inc.