Sequenom CMM launches SensiGene Fetal Sex Determination test

Feb 17 2010

Sequenom, Inc. (Nasdaq: SQNM) today announced the launch of the SensiGene™ Fetal(XY) (Fetal Sex Determination) test by Sequenom's CAP accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine (Sequenom CMM). This is the company's second laboratory developed test powered by its SEQureDx™ technology.

The benefits of the SensiGene Fetal(XY) Fetal Sex Determination test include:

• Noninvasive and safe. The test requires only a simple blood sample from the mother.
• Early detection – first trimester fetal sex determination.
• Highly specific – allows the distinction between maternal and fetal DNA for both male and female fetuses.
• Physician-ordered.

"The launch of the SensiGene Fetal(XY) test represents another successful noninvasive prenatal test demonstrating the utility of using maternal blood to determine fetal status," said Lee P. Shulman, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Chief of the Division of Clinical Genetics at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. "This is a great leap forward in delivering a test with a high degree of accuracy, using cutting-edge technology which has been rigorously evaluated through blinded studies, performed in collaboration with internationally recognized prenatal diagnosticians. This test adds to the physicians' prenatal diagnostic arsenal by providing for safe and accurate noninvasive fetal testing."

"I am very excited about the launch of the SensiGene Fetal(XY) test," added Shawn M. Marcell, vice president, molecular diagnostics. "Being able to offer physicians an advanced molecular diagnostic test with excellent performance is an important step in helping their patients focus on the positive nature of their pregnancy. Offering this test through a physicians' office should give mothers confidence in the test and assist doctors in the care of their patients."