Sequenom, Inc., a leading provider of fine mapping genotyping, methylation and gene expression analysis solutions, announced the launch of its latest generation multiplex genotyping product, the iPLEX Gold assay. This assay enables a typical fine mapping genotyping study for about 3 1/2 cents per data point by providing routine multiplexing at 36 times per reaction and, depending upon the complexity of the specific assay, up to 40 times per reaction. This represents customer savings of approximately 25 per cent per study compared to the original iPLEX assay and improves project efficiency.

"The iPLEX Gold assay is an example of our continuous work to provide customers with the highest value products. This new assay was developed to meet the growing need for high value fine mapping genotyping solutions to further support researchers as they complete whole genome studies," said Michael Monko, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. "The iPLEX Gold assay provides the same accurate and high quality results as our original iPLEX assay at a substantially reduced cost per data point, and its increased multiplexing power delivers more information faster."

Additional benefits and product details for the iPLEX Gold assay will be unveiled at a workshop conducted by Sequenom on October 10th at the annual meeting of The American Society of Human Genetics. The assay, which conveniently runs on Sequenom's currently available MassARRAY Compact system, will be commercially available by 2006 year end. The iPLEX Gold assay is also available as a service offering through Sequenom's genetic analysis services business unit.

"We became a leader in fine mapping genotyping solutions, facilitated in part by last year's introduction of our iPLEX multiplexing assay. We are building on that success with the launch of our next-generation iPLEX Gold assay," said Harry Stylli, PhD, president and CEO of Sequenom. "The introduction of the iPLEX Gold assay marks an important milestone in our business transformation and our overall corporate goal to provide quality genetic analysis solutions."