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New access to molecular cytogenetics

17 June 2008

London Genetics launches Molecular Cytogenetics service at International Biotechnology Conference BIO2008
World leading expertise from Great Ormond Street Hospital now available internationally to fill growing need for high quality cytogenetics analysis

London, June 17, 2008 – London Genetics today announced at BIO2008 the launch of a new molecular cytogenetics testing service. As a result of an exclusive agreement, both academic and industrial researchers will now be able to access the cutting edge expertise of the world renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital Cytogenetics Core Facility (CCF) laboratory through London Genetics. The new service covers all aspects of molecular and conventional cytogenetics and is in response to growing demand from the massive genomics research market. Customers are expected to range from researchers concerned about cell line integrity, including the emerging area of adult stem cells through to those looking for karyotypic analysis on for example, somatic cells.

According to London Genetics’ CEO Nick Lench, the new service is world class in all aspects: “Through an accredited CPA laboratory, we can now offer what we believe is a winning combination of a comprehensive range of testing services delivered in a way that meets the real needs of customers.  For example, for advanced research, we can already provide cutting edge new techniques such as array comparative genome hybridisation (aCGH) and copy number variation validation. Or for other laboratories with a backlog of samples to clear, we can perform G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analyses for standard, well-defined chromosomal re-arrangements. Finally, the staff at CCF are highly skilled, registered scientists, yet another example of the excellent genetics resources in London to which London Genetics is providing international access.”

Dr H Kempski of CCF welcomed the link up with London Genetics: “We receive a constant flow of testing requests because of our expertise in areas such as somatic genomic abnormalities in leukaemias and solid tumours and the characterisation and confirmation of novel, repository-derived and transformed adult stem cell lines. Working through London Genetics will enable us to plan for and meet the expected growth in demand to ensure customers continue to receive the highest possible levels of service and support.”

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Contact information:

GOSH-ICH Press Office: 020 7239 3125
Email: Coxs@gosh.nhs.uk
For genuine and urgent out of hours call speak to switchboard on 020 7405 9200

Notes to editors

The Paediatric Malignancy Cytogenetics Unit at Great Ormond Street is the leading laboratory in the UK for childhood cancer cytogenetics and is on par with the leading USA/Canadian children's hospital services: St Judes (Memphis), Hospital for Sick Children (Philadelphia), Sick KIds Toronto.  Great Ormond Street Hospital is with UCLH the largest centre for children with cancer in Europe and sees a large number of rare or complex cases for diagnosis and treatment.

Great Ormond Street Hospital

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children offers the widest range of clinical and diagnostic paediatric specialists in the UK.  Working with the UCL Institute of Child Health, it is the largest centre for research into childhood illness outside the USA.

For more information visit: www.gosh.nhs.uk

London Genetics Ltd

The bright centre of molecular medicine

London Genetics provides a unique service supporting collaborative research in biomarker discovery, biomarker validation, and pharmacogenetics. We work with organisations of all sizes, from niche biotechs to large pharmaceutical companies, diagnostics companies and those developing new platform technologies. Launched with funding from the London Development Agency and in partnership with London’s leading biomedical research facilities, medical schools and teaching hospitals, London Genetics Limited provides unique access to:

  • Investigator-led collaborative research programmes
  • Wide-ranging and comprehensive cohorts, clinical data and samples
  • Key opinion leaders
  • Laboratory services

For more information visit: www.londongenetics.com

The London Development Agency (LDA)

The London Development Agency works to improve the quality of life for all Londoners and drives sustainable economic growth. The LDA invests more than £400 million a year to create jobs and develop healthy, sustainable communities supporting London as a financial, educational and research centre.