SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2007--Illumina, Inc.(NASDAQ: ILMN) today announced the launch of a new DNA AnalysisBeadChip developed in collaboration with deCODE genetics. The newproduct, called the HumanCNV370-Duo, is the world's first microarraydesigned to specifically target novel regions of the genome that showcopy number variation (CNV). Copy number variations can occur when aregion within a chromosome or an entire chromosome is randomlyamplified or deleted. DNA copy number of certain genomic regions canvary widely from person to person and has already been linked tocancers, congenital disorders, and other common diseases. Pricedattractively, the HumanCNV370-Duo will allow researchers to increasethe number of samples analyzed, while maintaining unprecedented dataquality.
Powered by Illumina's Infinium(R) Assay, the HumanCNV370-Duoenables researchers to analyze two samples simultaneously and accessnovel content for detecting disease-relevant CNV regions. Contentfound on this BeadChip will also be available on Illumina's Human 1M,a single-chip solution that will profile over one million diversegenetic variants.
"Before the HumanCNV370-Duo was developed, we did not have a toolthat could target select regions of the genome that we believe containthe majority of undiscovered CNVs. Preliminary data from this arraydemonstrate that we can identify numerous novel CNV regions that werenotoriously difficult to define using previous technologies and canlook for new disease-associated genes and markers," said JeffreyGulcher, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of deCODE genetics."Illumina's HumanCNV370-Duo will offer researchers superior qualityand content as compared to any other CNV products currently available.We look forward to providing our contract genotyping customers thefull benefit of this new and exciting product."
The HumanCNV370-Duo combines the content found on theHumanHap300-Duo with an additional 55,000 markers specificallydesigned to target approximately 11,000 novel copy number variantregions. In addition to providing broad coverage of SNPs from theInternational HapMap Project, the HumanCNV370-Duo also providescoverage for regions of the human genome believed to contain themajority of undiscovered CNVs.
"Studying copy number variation adds a new level of information toDNA Analysis, and integrating this information into genotyping studiesis essential. Researchers are now looking for a tool that can helpthem identify CNVs found in unstable genomic regions that aredifficult to define by current technologies," said Daniel Peiffer,Ph.D., Associate Product Manager for DNA Products at Illumina. "Byworking closely with deCODE and accessing their large set of validatedCNV regions not currently available in any public repository, we havebeen able to specifically select a set of regions that are highlylikely to represent functional variants for common and rare diseases."
"We have had a long-standing relationship with deCODE and workedvery closely with them to develop novel content for theHumanCNV370-Duo," said Jay Flatley, President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Illumina. "By adding this BeadChip to our growing productportfolio, we have quickly evolved our technologies to meet the needsof the life sciences community through a successful collaboration witha global leader in gene discovery."
About Copy Number Variation
Research from the past several years show that human copy numbervariation contributes to a high level of genetic variation. Inaddition to the information gained from SNP genotyping studies, CNVswill provide additional insights into how large-scale geneticdiversity impacts biological function and contributes to both complexand common human diseases.
About Infinium Genotyping and CNV Analysis
Infinium Genotyping utilizes a novel assay together withIllumina's BeadArray(TM) technology to deliver industry-leadingperformance, genome-wide access and scalable solutions for SNPgenotyping and the analysis of CNV. The revolutionary Infinium Assaysand corresponding BeadChips allow large-scale interrogation ofvariation in the human genome, accelerating the ability of researchersto cost-effectively unlock the genetic basis of disease. For moreinformation on Infinium technology and products, visit www.illumina.com/infinium.
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.