Sequenom, Inc. announced agreements with The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR) and the University of Michigan Medical Center, focused on Sequenom's Gene Expression Analysis technology. TIGR, a leading genomics research institute based in Rockville, Md., is using Sequenom's Gene Expression Analysis application on the recently introduced Massarray Compact system to assess the functional implications of genetic polymorphisms on gene expression. The University of Michigan Medical Center has purchased the Gene Expression Analysis application with Sequenom's Massarray 7K flagship system for low copy number gene detection and quantitation. The technology is being used at the University's Pediatrics and Human Genetics Department, the first academic department of human genetics in the United States.

"Sequenom's Massarray system has the potential not only to provide precise quantitative measurements of gene expression levels, but also to allow assessment of allele-specific patterns of expression," said John Quackenbush, PhD, Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Investigator at TIGR. "This has a wide range of possible applications ranging from studies of imprinting during development to loss of heterozygosity in cancer."

"We are pleased that these leading research institutes have selected our technology for high-performance gene expression," said Toni Schuh, PhD, Sequenom's president and CEO. "The outstanding specificity and accuracy of our technology enables very precise allele-specific expression profiling, providing the link between functional genomics and human genetics. We believe this level of sensitivity and reproducibility will eventually define the gold standard for gene quantitation."

Coupled with its Gene Expression Analysis application, Sequenom has established two Massarray Compact system reference sites. The Massarray Compact system supports virtually all DNA analysis needs with the same high degree of quality uniquely provided by mass spectrometry, making reference-level DNA analysis technology affordable for a much broader market across many applications.

Sequenom is a leading genetics company organized into two distinct business units: Sequenom Genetic Systems and Sequenom Pharmaceuticals. The two business units combine to capitalize on the company's high performance DNA analysis platform, SNP assay portfolio, disease gene discovery programs and extensive DNA sample repository. Sequenom Genetic Systems is dedicated to the sales and support of the company's Massarray products and the continual expansion of platform applications. Sequenom Pharmaceuticals applies the power of human genetics to systematically identify disease-related genes that affect significant portions of the overall population. The Pharmaceuticals business unit focuses on disease gene discovery, target identification, functional validation and ultimately diagnostic and therapeutic product development.