Illumina launches VeriSeq PGS for preimplantation genetic screening of embryos

Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced the launch of VeriSeq^TM PGS, a next-generation sequencing (NGS) solution developed for preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) of embryos using Illumina's NextSeq^TM 500 and MiSeq® sequencing systems. The offering brings together the industry-leading Illumina 24sure array-based platform for PGS with Illumina's next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to offer laboratories a more scalable PGS solution.

"Bringing the high-throughput capabilities of Illumina's NGS systems to PGS will enable IVF clinics to offer the latest technology to their patients," said Simon Fishel, CEO of CARE Fertility Group. "VeriSeq PGS has the potential to improve pregnancy success rates for couples using IVF by identifying chromosomally normal embryos for implantation."

PGS has been clinically proven as an effective means to select chromosomally normal embryos, increasing pregnancy success rates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.VeriSeq PGS complements the 24sure array-based assay, using the same sample preparation and BlueFuse software workflows. The NGS-based assay leverages Illumina's sequencing systems and enables reference laboratories to perform PGS using a platform that meets their throughput needs.

"VeriSeq PGS showed a high level of consistency with the established 24sure technology," said Francesco Fiorentino, Ph.D., Founder and Lab Director, GENOMA Laboratory. "I recently did a comparison study between the 24sure assay and VeriSeq PGS to assess the accuracy of an NGS-based test for aneuploidy screening on single cells. NGS-based aneuploidy screening appears to be a robust methodology ready to find a place in routine clinical application."

"VeriSeq PGS demonstrates Illumina's continuing commitment to reproductive and genetic health. By developing and providing accessible tools to perform PGS, we hope to enable reference laboratories to offer these services worldwide," said Tristan Orpin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Reproductive and Genetic Health for Illumina. "We want to offer these groups a complete reproductive health portfolio so they can better support physicians and their patients in pursuit of successful pregnancies."

The new VeriSeq PGS solution on the MiSeq sequencing system will begin shipping in June, and the solution for the NextSeq 500 sequencing system will begin shipping later in 2014. For more information, visit www.illumina.com/VeriSeqPGS.