Sequenom has completed the previously announced acquisition of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Center for Molecular Medicine, a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) certified clinical diagnostics laboratory. As part of the acquisition, Sequenom has formalized certain collaborative agreements with Spectrum Health and the Van Andel Research Institute, which were joint venture partners in the CLIA laboratory. The CLIA laboratory has been renamed to the Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine (SCMM).
SCMM is an advanced molecular pathology laboratory created specifically to support cutting-edge diagnostics, translational research and clinical trials. SCMM provides access to robotic DNA and RNA extraction, DNA microarrays, multiplex protein detection, gene expression profiling and other diagnostic services. SCMM combines the clinical resources of Spectrum Health, one of Michigan's largest not-for-profit health systems, which annually serves hundreds of thousands of patients at more than 140 service sites including facilitating approximately 8,000 births. The Van Andel Research Institute offers translational research and bioinformatics expertise with the latest in genomics and proteomics technology and is focused primarily on technology development, women's health and oncology.
"This acquisition is a major step in our SEQureDx strategy as it provides us with control over all aspects of commercialization. In addition to a CLIA-certified facility, we gain the expertise from Spectrum Health in marketing and in developing critical sales and third-party payer reimbursement contracting strategies," stated Harry Stylli, president and chief executive officer of Sequenom. "We are delighted to welcome Dan Farkas to our management team. We will look to leverage his nearly 20 years in molecular diagnostics, including the establishment of three hospital-based molecular diagnostics laboratories, to develop and support the commercialization of a portfolio of SEQureDx-based tests."
Sequenom is committed to providing the best genetic analysis products that translate the results of genomic science into solutions for non invasive prenatal diagnostics, biomedical research, translational research and molecular medicine applications, and for research conducted in the agro (agricultural and livestock) industry.
Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through its seven hospitals, more than 140 service sites and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 500,000 members.
Founded in 1996 by Jay and Betty Van Andel, and located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through biomedical research and science education.