Personal Genome Diagnostics To Collaborate With Illumina On Development Of Cancer In Vitro Diagnostic Test Kits

BALTIMORE, Md., Aug. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc. (PGDx), a leading provider of advanced cancer genome testing products and services, today announced an agreement with Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) to develop two in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) test kits for use on Illumina's sequencing instruments, including kits for the detection and characterization of tumor DNA using both tissue and plasma samples.

Doug Ward, Chief Executive Officer of PGDx, noted, "PGDx currently offers advanced genomic testing services to researchers, drug developers, and physicians and patients through our CLIA-certified laboratory. We now want to apply our expertise to the development of IVD test kits for both tissue and plasma-based samples that will enable other laboratories with next-generation sequencing (NGS) capability to benefit from our broad experience in cancer genomic testing. Illumina is universally recognized as the global leader in NGS platforms, and we are delighted to join forces with them to develop IVD kits for tissue-based and liquid biopsy cancer genomic testing."

"Illumina welcomes the opportunity to work with a diverse set of leading collaborators, such as PGDx, to ensure that patients have access to the IVD tests that best address their needs," said John Leite PhD, Vice President of Market Development and Product Marketing for Oncology at Illumina. "PGDx is a well-known pioneer in cancer genomics with deep roots in academic medicine."

PGDx offers a complete range of cancer genome analysis tools, including exome and targeted approaches for tissue specimens, targeted approaches for plasma samples and a variety of custom tissue and plasma-based options designed to address the specific research needs of cancer researchers and drug developers. It was established in 2010 by researchers from Johns Hopkins University who are pioneers in cancer genome sequencing and liquid biopsy technologies. Under the leadership of founders Drs. Luis Diaz and Victor Velculescu, the company has achieved consistent growth by successfully commercializing novel clinical and investigational products and services for researchers, drug developers, molecular testing laboratories and physicians and patients. PGDx's service offerings for researchers and testing labs are complemented by the clinical services it provides through its CLIA-certified laboratory. 

About Personal Genome Diagnostics
Personal Genome Diagnostics (PGDx) advances the frontiers of cancer medicine through innovative genomic technologies for oncology researchers, drug developers, clinicians and patients. The expert team at PGDx draws on a deep understanding of cancer biology, extensive experience in cancer genomics and clinical oncology, and the company's distinctive technologies.  These novel technologies precisely identify and characterize unique genomic alterations in tumors. PGDx is working toward broad patient access to its genomic approaches, through a CLIA-certified facility providing comprehensive genomic services, as well as a technology transfer solution enabling other molecular laboratories to easily internalize testing. For additional information, visit www.personalgenome.com.

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SOURCE Personal Genome Diagnostics Inc.

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