SAN DIEGO, Jul 14, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced that the company has been selected as a preferred service provider for Cancer Research UK, the world's leading cancer charity. Illumina will provide a range of services, beginning with whole human genome sequencing, in support of the International Cancer Genome Consortium. The consortium is seeking to obtain a comprehensive description of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in 50 different tumor types and/or subtypes of clinical and societal importance.
Illumina and Cancer Research UK will begin this collaboration by focusing on esophageal and prostate cancers, an effort that has the potential to include up to 1,500 whole human genome samples, sequenced over three years. Illumina will perform human whole genome sequencing on tumor and normal pairs using the company's HiSeq(TM) 2000 platform, which will deliver highly accurate, well-characterized genomes to Cancer Research UK in the first phase of the comprehensive cancer study.
Under the agreement, in addition to whole genome sequencing, Illumina will provide expression and epigenetic services for detailed characterization of transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in the target tumor types.
"We are delighted by this new chapter in our longstanding collaboration with Cancer Research UK," said David Bentley, Chief Scientist at Illumina. "Advances in sequencing technology are decreasing costs and opening exciting new frontiers in cancer research, and we believe Illumina's ability to be a complete service provider across multiple genetic analysis technologies - combined with our competitive services pricing - was key."
Dr. Fiona Hemsley, head of strategic projects at Cancer Research UK, said: "We're now entering a 'golden era' for cancer research and the ICGC projects we've announced today epitomize this new wave of genetics studies. The technology from Illumina will allow us to scan the genomes of esophageal and prostate cancer patients around a million times faster than a decade ago, helping us accelerate our goal of beating cancer."
The Illumina Genome Network (IGN), specializing in whole human genome sequencing, is part of the Illumina family of genetic analysis services. IGN is a global service partnership designed to link researchers interested in conducting large-scale whole human genome sequencing projects with leading institutions that can perform such projects using Illumina sequencers.
About Illumina
Illumina (http://www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements are detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, or in information disclosed in public conference calls, the date and time of which are released beforehand. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this release.
About Cancer Research UK
- Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research
- The charity's groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives. This work is funded entirely by the public.
- Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival rates double in the last forty years.
- Cancer Research UK supports research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses.
- Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK's vision is to beat cancer.
For further information about Cancer Research UK's work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7121 6699 or visit http://www.cancerresearchuk.org.
SOURCE: Illumina, Inc.
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