MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 11, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) and Complete Genomics Inc. (Nasdaq:GNOM) announced today the signing of an agreement that calls for Complete Genomics to sequence 615 complete human genome samples as part of an ISB study on neurodegenerative diseases.
In 2009, ISB engaged Complete Genomics to sequence four genomes as part of a small family study to verify the causal gene in Miller syndrome. This initial project resulted in a publication in Science1 that also documented the low error rates in the data generated by Complete Genomics.
More recently, in early 2010, ISB engaged Complete Genomics to sequence 100 genomes for multiple family studies of Huntington's and other diseases in collaboration with several academic institutions. These studies have demonstrated even lower error rates than the data generated in 2009.
"Over the past two years, Complete Genomics has played a critical role in our investigation of several diseases in multigenerational families. Its proven complete human genome sequencing service has helped our scientists in these detailed genetic analyses. The Miller syndrome study by ISB, the University of Utah and the University of Washington, was groundbreaking," said ISB Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships David Galas.
"Partnering with Complete Genomics for our human sequencing needs has allowed us to focus on data analysis and interpretation while avoiding major capital expense, pipeline building and technology development. Their continuous increase in sequencing accuracy and coverage has allowed us to generate highly accurate results," said ISB President Dr. Leroy Hood. All of the work at ISB on these projects has been supported by the partnership between ISB and the University of Luxembourg, in particular with the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine.
Neurodegenerative diseases cover a broad range of disorders that affect neurons, or neuromuscular control, many of which are genetic or hereditary in nature, such as Huntington's disease. For this study, ISB will, in coordination with its academic partners, supply the purified DNA samples from families with multiple affected individuals. Complete Genomics will perform the sequencing, assembly and annotation and deliver to ISB a listing of variations found in each genome. ISB will then do its own further analysis, utilizing the power of family genetics and network analysis with the data sets to identify causal and modifying genes.
"We are proud that leading organizations such as ISB continue to rely on our high-quality and high-throughput sequencing services to conduct large-scale disease studies," said Dr. Clifford Reid, Complete Genomics chairman, president and CEO. "In 2011, we anticipate that many more researchers will look to complete human genome sequencing to help with their studies of disease, and we look forward to working with the research community to continue to provide accurate, consistent and research-ready data. We currently have the ability to sequence and analyze more than 400 complete human genomes per month, and expect this capacity to increase between two- and threefold in 2011."
About the Institute for Systems Biology
The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) is an internationally renowned, non-profit research institute headquartered in Seattle and dedicated to the study and application of systems biology. Founded in 2000, ISB was established to unravel the mysteries of complex biological systems and to identify strategies for predicting and preventing human diseases such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS. ISB's systems approach integrates biology, computation and technological development, enabling scientists to analyze all elements in a biological system rather than one gene or protein at a time. The Institute has grown to 14 faculty members and more than 250 staff members; has an annual budget of more than $35 million; and an extensive network of academic and industrial partners. For more information about ISB, visit http://www.systemsbiology.org.
About Complete Genomics
Complete Genomics is a life sciences company that has developed and commercialized an innovative DNA sequencing platform. The Complete Genomics Analysis Platform (CGA™ Platform) combines Complete Genomics' proprietary human genome sequencing technology with our advanced informatics and data management software. We offer this solution as an innovative, end-to-end, outsourced service, CGA™ Service, and provide customers with data that is immediately ready to be used for genome-based research. Additional information can be found at http://www.completegenomics.com.
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Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to our expected monthly genome sequencing capacity, are forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward looking statements are based on management's current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. The following factors, without limitation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements: our limited operating history, delays in production due to technical issues and our inability to increase yield. More information on potential factors that could affect our monthly genome sequencing capacity is included in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the risks identified under the section captioned "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on December 22, 2010. We disclaim any obligation to update information contained in these forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
1. Roach JC, Glusman G, Smit AFA et al: Analysis of genetic inheritance in a family quartet by whole-genome sequencing. Science 328 (5978), 636-639 (2010).