SEQUENOM and Siemens Form Joint Working Group on Molecular Diagnostics
SEQUENOM, Inc. announced the formation of a joint working group with Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG to explore the requirements for next generation molecular diagnostics platforms.
"We are interested in novel platforms for different nucleic acid based diagnostic applications. And we are excited about the opportunity to partner with SEQUENOM to address this topic," said Mohammad Naraghi, M.D., Ph.D., SVP of Business Development of Siemens Medical Solutions. "SEQUENOM's MassARRAY(R) technology may be a good foundation of a platform for the molecular diagnostics market."
As part of the study, Siemens will purchase four MassARRAY Compact systems from SEQUENOM. The systems will be installed in premier diagnostics and clinical labs in Europe and North America. SEQUENOM and Siemens Medical Solutions will work in concert with the participating reference laboratories to execute a comprehensive functional requirement analysis.
"We feel that this collaboration is an ideal forum in which to demonstrate the versatility and analytical superiority of SEQUENOM's MassARRAY platform for a growing number of molecular diagnostic applications," said Toni Schuh, Ph.D., President and CEO of SEQUENOM.
"There is a huge potential for innovation in diagnostics and IT systems. Overall, I think the next generation of products will follow a platform concept in order to achieve R&D synergies. Molecular medicine will have a significant impact on these platform developments," said Erich Reinhardt, DIng, President and CEO of Siemens Medical Solutions.
Dr. Reinhardt further noted, "Understanding of the genetic disease predisposition of a patient, early diagnosis based on molecular markers and the determination of a specific disease subtype or progression stage based on a molecular fingerprint will all improve quality and efficiency of healthcare."
The terms and conditions of the arrangement between SEQUENOM and Siemens are set forth in an Agreement. SEQUENOM has filed a current report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that describes the terms and conditions of the agreement.
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