Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC(R) and Affymetrix, Inc. Sign License Agreement.SPOKANE, Wash. -- Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC (Logical Link Control) See "LANs" under data link protocol. LLC - Logical Link Control (R) today announced that it has entered into a license agreement with Affymetrix, Inc. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :AFFX). The non-exclusive, worldwide license is for a number of Affymetrix patents related to the use of microarrays for comparative genomic hybridization hybridization /hy·brid·iza·tion/ (hi?brid-i-za´shun) 1. crossbreeding; the act or process of producing hybrids. 2. molecular hybridization 3. analysis. The license will be applied to Signature Genomics' SignatureChip(R) microarray-based diagnostics for cytogenetic cytogenetic /cy·to·ge·net·ic/ (-je-net´ik) 1. pertaining to chromosomes. 2. pertaining to cytogenetics. cytogenetic pertaining to or originating from the origin and development of the cell. abnormalities. Details of the license were not disclosed. Increasingly, physicians are ordering the SignatureChip microarray diagnostics instead of routine chromosome analysis chromosome analysis Genetics A procedure in which cells–usually of fetal origin are obtained, either in the 1st trimester by chorionic villus biopsy, or later in pregnancy by amniocentesis, and grown in a tissue culture, to detect major chromosome for their patients. Signature Genomics has demonstrated the effectiveness of array-based cytogenetics cytogenetics /cy·to·ge·net·ics/ (-je-net´iks) the branch of genetics devoted to cellular constituents concerned in heredity, i.e. chromosomes. using its proprietary SignatureChip to identify chromosome abnormalities in infants and children with birth defects birth defects, abnormalities in physical or mental structure or function that are present at birth. They range from minor to seriously deforming or life-threatening. A major defect of some type occurs in approximately 3% of all births. , developmental delay, or mental retardation. Cytogenetic analysis has historically been an important tool for uncovering chromosomal imbalance. However, the resolution through the light microscope limits the ability to identify small alterations of the chromosomes. This limitation is overcome by using a microarray-based approach. The SignatureChip contains 140 regions of the genome known to cause genetic syndromes, birth defects or mental retardation if present in an unbalanced state. Furthermore, the SignatureChip contains 164 additional regions of the genome as a set of controls to provide increased coverage of the genome and clinical confidence in the results. "The license from Affymetrix, Inc. provides us with the ability to increase the genomic coverage of our microarray, allowing us to continue to offer the most comprehensive clinical diagnostic microarray on the market," said Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, FACMG, acting CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. and Laboratory Director of Signature Genomics. "Microarray-based diagnostics are the future of clinical testing, and utilizing this technology for chromosome analysis is no exception," said Bassem A. Bejjani, MD, FACMG, Medical Director of Signature Genomics. "With 1 in 800 persons affected with a chromosome disorder, Signature Genomics developed this new technology to provide faster, more reliable and comprehensive results to enhance the clinical care to patients," he added. About Affymetrix Affymetrix scientists invented the world's first high-density microarray in 1989 and began selling the first commercial microarray in 1994. Since then, Affymetrix GeneChip(R) technology has become the industry standard in molecular biology research. Affymetrix technology is used by the world's top pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology companies as well as leading academic, government and not-for-profit research institutes. More than 1,300 systems have been installed around the world and nearly 4,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using the technology. Affymetrix' patented photolithographic manufacturing process provides the most information capacity available today on an array, enabling researchers to use a whole-genome approach to analyzing the relationship between genetics and health. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with subsidiaries in Europe and Asia, as well as manufacturing facilities in Sacramento, Calif. and Bedford, Mass. The company has about 1,000 employees worldwide. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit the company's website at www.Affymetrix.com. About Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC(R) Signature Genomics, founded in 2003, is a private company owned by Sacred Heart Medical Center Sacred Heart Medical Center may refer to: In the United States:
recognition by an appropriate authority that the performance of a particular institution has satisfied a prestated set of criteria. accredited herds cattle herds which have achieved a low level of reactors to, e.g. , CLIA CLIA Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 Congressional legislation that promulgated quality assurance practices in clinical labs, and required them to measure performance at each step of the testing process from the beginning to the end-point of a certified, and licensed in the state of Washington. Additional information about Signature is available at www.signaturegenomics.com. NOTE: Affymetrix, the Affymetrix logo, and GeneChip are registered trademarks owned or used by Affymetrix Inc. |
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