Immucor Inc., a global leader in transfusion and transplantation diagnostics, in collaboration with Sirona Genomics, announced the launch of MIA FORA NGS, a high resolution HLA typing solution that provides accurate, comprehensive coverage of 11 HLA genes. With an efficient workflow that can be uniquely automated or run manually, MIA FORA NGS is adapted for use on the Illumina MiSeq next generation sequencing (NGS) platform and is now available research use only (RUO) in the US and other countries, with CE Mark anticipated shortly.

MIA FORA, which roughly translates from Greek to “once,” allows HLA laboratories to achieve high resolution matching with no need for secondary testing to resolve ambiguities – results in one pass. The MIA FORA NGS sample preparation kit for long-range PCR and library preparation is user friendly with all-in-one master mixes, one PCR set up protocol, one amplification condition for all genes and a unique gene balancing programme. Users also have the option to automate front end sample handling – the only one system to offer this labor efficiency with a benchtop footprint, which also helps to reduce manual errors and optimize patient results.

The MIA FORA NGS analysis software is uniquely built from the ground up specifically for HLA NGS typing. With an intuitive user interface, the MIA FORA NGS software is the only available product using three algorithms for accurate genotyping calls, a proprietary database for accurate mapping and alignment, and a smart flagging system that enables users to make accurate allele calls rapidly.

“Sirona Genomics is excited to bring MIA FORA NGS to HLA laboratories around the world in collaboration with Immucor, a leader in transplant diagnostics,” stated Michael Mindrinos, Ph.D., president and co-founder of Sirona. “MIA FORA NGS enables users to realize the full power of NGS for HLA typing – marrying an easy-to-use sample preparation protocol with a proprietary bioinformatics solution. The result is higher resolution with less rework for the lab and a better matched donor for each patient.”

MIA FORA NGS provides superior whole gene coverage of all major HLA gene regions, including whole gene coverage for HLA-A,B, C, DPA1, DQA1, and DQB1; all exons and introns for HLA-DRB1,3,4,5 except partial coverage for exon 6 and intron 1; and all exons and introns between exons 2 and 4 for HLA-DPB1.

The announcement today marks the first product release from the MIA FORA portfolio and complements Immucor’s LIFECODES transplant product family. A higher volume test kit for registry HLA typing is planned for 2016.

“Immucor is dedicated to ensuring patients in need of a transplant get the right match. Our MIA FORA NGS offering continues this commitment,” stated Keith Chaitoff, chief marketing officer.

“Our work with Sirona Genomics over the past 14 months has resulted in a superior product for the HLA laboratory, and the clinicians and patients they serve. And in this critical area of healthcare, patient care and quality of results must take priority. When combined with our LIFECODES transplant products, Immucor is able to provide a full range of solutions that meet the transplant community’s needs and delivers the accuracy transplant patients deserve.”