febit and TGen Collaborate to Study New DNA Capture Method

febit and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) today announced the formation of a collaboration in which TGen will evaluate Next-Generation-Sequencing equipment in conjunction with febit’s proprietary Geniom^® Microarray Technology.

febit’s HybSelect™ Technology enables selective DNA capture and elution, an extremely efficient method to preselect sequences for Next-Generation Sequencers. HybSelect is based on febit’s proven Geniom Technology and uses arrays within microfludic biochips for the selection process of targeted DNA. Geniom biochips are programmable and can contain any desired set of capture probes. The new method combines the extraordinary performance of latest sequencers with the efficient selection capabilities of Geniom Technology.

“We are delighted to have TGen as our first U.S. pilot user of HybSelect with the latest sequencing instrumentation,” said Cord F. Staehler, president of febit. “We will obtain important data from TGen that will help us as we prepare for the official introduction of HybSelect in early 2009.”

The collaboration provides TGen scientists pre-market access to a highly developed DNA capturing method.

“There’s been a great deal of conversation on the future direction of genomic research centers on next generation sequencing,” said Matthew Huentelman, Ph.D., TGen associate investigator and lead collaborator on this project. “This collaboration on the use and further development of this method enhances the opportunities for TGen researchers to make a difference in research utilizing next generation sequencing.”

TGen has been a user of the Geniom One device for the production and microarray analysis of Geniom Biochips since 2006.