WuXi PharmaTech Purchases an Illumina HiSeq X Ten Sequencing System

SAN DIEGO and SHANGHAI, March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ: ILMN) and WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: WX), a leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device R&D outsourcing company with operations in China and the United States, today announced that the WuXi Genome Center has purchased an Illumina HiSeq X Ten sequencing system.

This new investment will enable WuXi's clinical genomic services to expand from the current target panel, exome, and transcriptome scale sequencing to population genome scale sequencing. It puts the world's most advanced gene sequencing capability in the hands of the leading pharmaceutical R&D services company in the Asia Pacific region.

The WuXi Genome Center meets international clinical standards and is the only CLIA-certified clinical genomics lab in China. In addition to offering sequencing services, WuXi's genomics lab also provides assay development, validation, and testing services.

"This investment in cutting-edge gene sequencing technology significantly strengthens WuXi's broad, integrated platform of R&D services," said Dr. Ge Li, Chairman and CEO of WuXi PharmaTech. "It advances our mission of enabling anyone and any company to use our R&D platform to discover and develop innovative medicines to benefit the world's patients."

The HiSeq X Ten is the world's first platform to deliver full coverage human genomes for $1,000, including typical instrument depreciation, DNA extraction, library preparation, and estimated labor. Purpose-built for population-scale human whole genome sequencing, the HiSeq X Ten can sequence approximately 18,000 samples annually with high-quality, high-coverage sequencing. It is sold as a set of 10 or more ultra-high throughput sequencing systems, each generating up to 1.8 terabases (Tb) of sequencing data in less than three days or up to 600 gigabases (Gb) per day, per system.

"We are pleased that WuXi has chosen the HiSeq X Ten to serve its clients with state-of-the-art gene sequencing capabilities," said Jay Flatley, CEO of Illumina. "Illumina's leadership in the development of genomics technologies and WuXi's leadership in offering high-quality R&D services to leading biopharmaceutical companies are a perfect fit."

About Illumina

Illumina (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 Statement for Illumina

This release may contain 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 WuXi PharmaTech

WuXi PharmaTech (www.wuxiapptec.com) is a leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device R&D outsourcing company, with operations in China and the United States. As a research-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi PharmaTech provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies with a broad and integrated portfolio of laboratory and manufacturing services throughout the drug and medical device R&D process. WuXi PharmaTech's services are designed to help its global partners in shortening the cycle and lowering the cost of drug and medical device R&D. The operating subsidiaries of WuXi PharmaTech are known as WuXi AppTec.

For more information, please contact:

Illumina

Investors:
Rebecca Chambers
+1-858-255-5243
[email protected]

Media:
Jennifer Temple
+1-858-882-6822
[email protected]

WuXi PharmaTech

Investors:
Ronald Aldridge
+1-201-585-2048
[email protected]

Media:
Aaron Shi
+86-21-5046-4362
[email protected]

SOURCE WuXi PharmaTech