Enhanced NGS portfolio includes Interpret Software updates and enables rapid and confident variant detection even in difficult-to-sequence regions

 Oxford, UK –  OGT, A Sysmex Group Company, announces the recent launch of several new solutions to support its growing NGS portfolio. These include the SureSeq™ Myeloid Plus panel, which has been designed to detect aberrations in genes implicated in a variety of Myeloid disorders. Additionally, OGT has also launched a new improved library preparation workflow—the OGT Universal NGS Complete Workflow, compatible with its haematology, inherited and rare disease NGS panels—significantly reducing hands-on time and complemented by updated Interpret NGS Analysis software.

The SureSeq Myeloid Plus panel is the most recent addition to OGT’s haematology NGS portfolio. Having been meticulously designed along-side leading cancer experts, the new panel is able to detect a comprehensive range of aberrations including SNVs, indels, ITDs and PTDs within 49 genes. These genes cover those associated with myeloid disorders including acute myeloid leukaemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms and myelodysplastic syndrome among others. Thanks to OGT’s vast expertise in bait design, the Myeloid Plus panel delivers unparalleled coverage uniformity for low frequency variants, even in difficult-to-sequence AT/GC rich regions and challenging regions covering ITDs and PTDs, which are common somatic variants in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) often associated with poor prognosis and an aggressive form of the disease. The power of the Myeloid Plus panel stands testament to the benefits of hybridisation capture over PCR enrichment for unrivalled levels of sensitivity and uniformity of coverage.

To support researchers using the SureSeq Myeloid Plus panel, and indeed all of OGT’s SureSeq haematology and CytoSure^® NGS panels, the new Universal NGS Complete Workflow has been developed. By reducing the number of clean-up steps and QC requirements, library preparation can be completed in just four and a half hours, with a 40% saving of hands-on time. By combining several steps, and introducing sample pooling, the reduced workflow complexity not only decreases the potential for error, but also saves on plastic waste and costs.

Compared to the previous SureSeq workflow, the updated version requires no additional expensive laboratory equipment, making the process much more amenable to automation, and therefore ready for the future. To supplement this new and improved workflow, OGT’s renowned Interpret NGS Analysis software (V3.5) has been upgraded with improvements in CNV interpretation, annotation, visualisation and sample data import and display. Unlike many other NGS providers, OGT provides complimentary NGS software with its NGS panels, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sharing technology, and technical expertise to support NGS research around the globe.

Adrian Smith, Chief Executive Officer of OGT, commented, “At OGT, we are experts in delivering high efficiency NGS workflows with best-in-class gene panels, software, and library preparation solutions. Thanks to our unmatched expertise in bait design, and through partnering with leading cancer experts, we have developed a powerful tool for myeloid research with a highly efficient workflow. This enables clinical researchers to quickly and confidently detect all relevant variants in one simple assay. NGS is a key area of expertise for OGT, and we have exciting plans and possibilities for the future.”

For further information, please contact:

Oxford Gene Technology, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, U.K.

T: +44 (0) 1865 856800 ; F: +44 (0) 1865 848684

E: [email protected] ; W: www.ogt.com ; Twitter: @OxfordGeneTech

Editor’s notes

About OGT

OGT, a Sysmex Group company, is a leading global provider of clinical and diagnostic genomic solutions that are created for scientists by scientists – including CytoCell^®, CytoSure^® and SureSeq™ ranges of FISH, microarray and NGS products. The company is dedicated to creating products that enable researchers and clinical decision makers to reach the right care decisions for each patient, every time. OGT strives to unlock the future of genetic clinical care with a commitment to working in partnership with its customers – not only by sharing its expertise of 25 years at the forefront of genetic endeavour, but also by working closely with scientists to understand their unique challenges, and to customise its approach to meet their exact needs. Dedicated to improving clinical care, OGT believes that through partnership—together—we’ll achieve more.

For more information on the Company, please visit our website at www.ogt.com

CytoSure^®, SureSeq™ and myProbes^®: For Research Use Only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. CytoCell: Some products may not be available in your region.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation is a world leader in clinical laboratory systemization and solutions, including laboratory diagnostics, laboratory automation and clinical information systems. Serving customers for more than 50 years, Sysmex focuses on technological leadership in diagnostic science and information tools that make a difference in the health of people worldwide. The company is also exploring emerging opportunities in the life science field. Its R&D efforts focus on the development of high-value-added testing and diagnostic technologies that are innovative, original and optimize individual health. Sysmex also seeks to leverage its state-of-the-art technologies for cell, gene and protein analysis. The company, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, has subsidiaries in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China and Asia Pacific and employs more than 9,000 employees worldwide. Sysmex Corporation is listed in the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

For more information about Sysmex Corporation and its affiliate companies, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/