Austin, Texas – April 4, 2013. Asuragen Inc., a leading molecular diagnostic company, announced today the launch of its SuraSeq™ Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Service in its GLP compliant Genomics Services Laboratory. Asuragen’s SuraSeq™ NGS Service was developed specifically for targeted DNA mutation analysis from FFPE and FNA tumor samples to identify both known and de novo mutations. The Service features the SuraSeq™ 200 and the SuraSeq™ 500 cancer panels which target clinically relevant cancer-related molecular pathways, such as the MEK/MAP kinase and PIK3/AKT pathways. In addition, Asuragen scientists have amassed quantitative and predictive QC data from more than 700 real-world FFPE and FNA tumor samples, and this information has been integrated into the sequencing approach to best guide clients in their experimental decision-making. A recent publication in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics describes the validation of the two-step PCR enrichment workflow used with the SuraSeq™ 500 panel.

Sequencing data analysis is performed using SuraScore™, a novel bioinformatic pipeline and proprietary variant caller that enables the accurate identification of low-level mutations within the “noise” associated with FFPE samples.The data is packaged for clients via Asuragen’s SuraSight™ Reporting Tool, an innovative user interface that allows easy data exploration in a genome browser, summarized results, sample level QC metrics, and raw data files.

“Asuragen was an early adopter of NGS technology and a leader in optimizing the SuraSeq™ technology for FFPE tumor samples. We are excited to extend our proven track record of translating new technology into a robust, validated service that can be accessed by our pharmaceutical partners to identify clinically relevant and novel mutations in their targeted drug and diagnostic development programs,” said Carol Berry, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Asuragen’s Pharmacogenomic Services Division.

This project was funded in part by a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Commercialization grant.

About SuraSeq™ NGS Services
The use of genomic profiling to discover novel, disease-associated mutations has enormous potential to improve clinical decision-making. Asuragen specializes in targeted next-generation sequencing for sensitive detection of clinically actionable mutations from limiting DNA quantities. SuraSeq™ NGS Services are optimized to provide high resolution mutation profiling from challenging clinical biopsies through a combination of quantitative sample characterization and qualification, novel enrichment designs that specifically accommodate poor quality DNA, and innovative bioinformatics algorithms that call low abundance mutations with high sensitivity and accuracy.

About Asuragen
Asuragen is a molecular diagnostics company with a pioneering position in miRNA using genomics to drive better patient management through best-in-class clinical testing solutions. The Company uses a breadth of technologies and talent to discover, develop and commercialize diagnostic products and clinical testing services with efficiency and flexibility both internally and for our companion diagnostic partners. Today, Asuragen’s products, services and technologies drive countless patient management decisions across oncology, genetic disease and other molecular testing modalities. In the future, we envision the Company’s development of miRNA-based clinical diagnostics will help transform medicine by improving clinical outcomes and health economics. For more information, visit www.asuragen.com.