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Affymetrix and Ariosa Diagnostics Announce Agreement in Support of Ariosa’s Harmony™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Test

Affymetrix, Inc.
19 Oct 2014
Sarah Thomas
Associate Editor

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Affymetrix and Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc. today announced the signing of a multi-year supply agreement covering Affymetrix arrays and instruments to be utilized as part of Ariosa’s Harmony™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT). The partnership enables Ariosa to pursue the development of a Harmony test kit that will allow other laboratories around the world to adopt and perform this test.

This announcement follows the recent publication of a study in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy online in which Ariosa’s scientists successfully tested and implemented Affymetrix microarrays as part of a DNA quantification method for the Harmony test. The study demonstrated better performance of Affymetrix microarrays in comparison to a next generation sequencing approach in regard to shorter turn-around time and improved precision in measuring chromosome concentration and fetal fraction of cell-free DNA.

“We are pleased with the Affymetrix partnership as they have been a solid and reliable supplier. Our work on the microarray opens up the possibility to further broaden access to the Harmony test via a kit decentralization strategy,” said Ken Song, CEO of Ariosa. “We are excited about the opportunity to improve prenatal care for women globally.”

Ariosa Diagnostics is a partner in the Affymetrix’s Powered by Affymetrix™ Program. “Our array and assay technologies are foundational genomic tools in reproductive health and oncology applications. Our partners are providing innovative solutions for unmet needs in these critical areas,” said Frank Witney, President and CEO of Affymetrix. “We are pleased to work with Ariosa to supply arrays and instrumentation in support of their global business strategy.”

About the Harmony Test
The Harmony prenatal test is a non-invasive blood test for pregnant women that can be used as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. By evaluating cell-free DNA found in maternal blood, the test can assess the risk of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) in the fetus. It has been validated with the largest clinical data set in the prenatal cell-free DNA space, making it the most broadly studied cell-free DNA test. It is available in more than 90 countries and has been used to guide clinical care in over 350,000 pregnancies worldwide.

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Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA / RNA QuantificationDetection and quantification of nucleic acids is important in molecular biology, cloning, expression, forensics and clinical diagnostics. Nucleic acids can be detected by labeling with colorimetric, fluorescent or radio labels and using in situ hybridization kits to identify specific sequences. Multiple nucleic acids can be detected and quantified at once using RNA / DNA detection beads or RNA / DNA microarrays. Find the best DNA / RNA Quantification products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Pregnancy TestingPrenatal TestingIn Vitro DiagnosticsIn vitro diagnostics (IVD) involve testing samples outside the body, typically in a laboratory, to diagnose diseases or conditions. IVD technologies include blood tests, molecular assays, and other bodily fluid tests, enabling accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. These tests are essential for guiding treatment decisions in clinical settings. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best IVD solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Affymetrix and Ariosa Diagnostics Announce Agreement in Support of Ariosa’s Harmony™ Non-Invasive Prenatal Test