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Basel, 7 October 2005
Roche launches novel
system for High-throughput DNA Sequencing
Roche today announced
the commercial launch of the Genome Sequencer 20 System and reagents. The system’s technology will enable
researchers to sequence genomes and long DNA sequences up to 100 times faster than current commercial
platforms, and will provide entry for Roche into the high-growth sequencing research market. The hallmark
of the system is the nanotechnology-based approach to sequencing invented by the US-based 454 Life Sciences.
“The Genome Sequencer 20 Systems provides a new and promising foundation
for research applications. We are excited to be able to enter this market and offer the latest innovative
technology to researchers around the world,” stated Heino von Prondzynski, CEO Division Roche Diagnostics
and Member of the Roche Executive Committee. “The System provides a high-throughput, cost-effective
solution for DNA sequencing, a technology that is the backbone of genomic research. The Genome Sequencer
20 Systems enables its user to finish experiments in very short time, thus opening the door to completely
new application fields for sequencing.”
Roche Diagnostics will offer
the Genome Sequencer 20 System and reagents, and 454 Life Sciences will continue to manufacture instrument
systems and reagent kits for Roche Diagnostics, with the option to transfer the responsibility for reagent
manufacturing to Roche Diagnostics given sufficient sales volume. Roche Diagnostics is able to distribute
454 Life Sciences’ products to all markets, with the exception of regulated diagnostics. In that area,
Roche Diagnostics maintains an exclusive right to negotiate the extension of the exclusive distribution
agreement into the regulated diagnostics market during the initial 5-year term.
About
the technology
The Genome Sequencer 20 System represents the first commercially
available instrument system to provide a convenient solution for ultra-high-throughput DNA sequencing.
Following a single preparation step to prepare an entire genome, the compact Genome Sequencer 20 System
can sequence at least 20 million bases in one 5-hour run. This novel technology eliminates the need
for large-scale robotics as it is used in established techniques. An individual can prepare, sequence,
and generate results in days, not months. The technology performs massively parallel sequencing on a
PicoTiterPlate, employs state-of-the art image processing, and utilizes unique data analysis to achieve
high-quality results. Additional information about the technology is available on the Internet at www.roche-applied-science.com.
About
454 Life Sciences
454 Life Sciences is commercializing novel instrumentation and
services for rapidly and comprehensively conducting high-throughput nucleotide sequencing, with specific
application to sequencing of whole genomes and ultra-deep sequencing of target genes. Additional information
about 454 Life Sciences is available on the Internet at www.454.com.
About
Roche
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world’s leading
research-focused healthcare groups in the fields of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a supplier of
innovative products and services for the early detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases,
the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people’s health and quality of life. Roche
is a world leader in diagnostics, the leading supplier of drugs for cancer and transplantation and a
market leader in virology. In 2004 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totalled 21.7 billion Swiss
francs, while the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 7.8 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly
65,000 people in 150 countries and has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners,
including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai. Additional information about the Roche
Group is available on the Internet at www.roche.com.
All
trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
Further
information
- Roche Diagnostics |
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Genome Sequencer 20 System
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