Leading Genomic Service and Technology Providers Help Raise over $120k for Pediatric Genetics Research

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

EA a leading provider of genomic services for clinical trials and research will once again host its “Leave Your Fingerprint on the Cure” campaign at the upcoming 12^th International Congress of Human Genetics / American Society of Human Genetics 61^st Annual Meeting http:/www.ichg2011.org This event is scheduled for October 12, 2011, in conjunction with the ICHG/ASHG 2011 Meeting in Montreal at the Palais des Congres de Montreal. The event will benefit the medical genetics department at Montreal Children's Hospital, which allows researchers to become better able to precisely diagnose childhood diseases, predict their course, and create more effective treatments with fewer side effects. For every person who volunteers to help complete a custom mural by painting and leaving their fingerprint in the center of a flower, at exhibitor booth (#617), EA and its sponsors will donate over $100.00, on their behalf, to Montreal Children's Hospital. This campaign is one of many programs Expression Analysis has launched in the last four years to aid academic and industry researchers in their efforts to uncover genetic markers linked to complex diseases.

“This is the fourth year in a row that EA and the American Society of Human Genetics have worked together to promote the “Leave Your Fingerprint on the Cure™” Campaign at the ASHG Annual Meeting,” said Joann Boughman, PhD, Executive Vice President of ASHG. “This event is one of the few opportunities for many of our human genetics research scientists to be more directly connected to the ‘downstream' clinical process and the impact that their work has on patient care. People tend to forget that discovering new disease treatments and cures actually starts with very basic research, so it is exciting for genetic scientists as well as clinicians to demonstrate that their fingerprints are on the cures through this annual fundraising event.”

Valerie Frost, Director of The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation said, "We are thrilled that EA has chosen to support The Children's through this unique fundraising initiative that will enhance the healing environment for our young patients, while providing much-needed funds for our world-class researchers to continue their important work. We would like to thank all of the sponsors, donors and participants for contributing to this wonderful success.”

“We started this campaign in 2008 at ASHG's 58^th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia; the donation for each individual that participated was $10. This year, because of additional corporate sponsors the amount has risen to over $100 per participant. This campaign, along with this year's donation, has helped raised over $120,000 for pediatric cancer/genetic research. This year we welcome Qiagen and Nugen to our growing list of sponsors. I thank them, along with returning sponsors Affymetrix, Agilent, Fluidigm, Illumina, Pacific Biosciences and RainDance Technologies,” said Steve McPhail, President and CEO of EA. “This campaign has become an important part of who EA is -- a company dedicated to providing industry-leading tools and services that help accelerate the pace of genetic research leading to improved diagnosis, treatment and management of complex disease.”

About EA

EA (www.ExpressionAnalysis.com) provides whole genome to focused set gene expression and genotyping assays along with DNA sequencings services, sequence enrichment technologies and bioinformatics support. Platforms utilized include Affymetrix GeneChip®, Agilent Sure Select Target Enrichment System, Fluidigm's Biomark and Access Array Systems, Illumina BeadChip®, iScan, HiSeq and Genome Analyzer, Raindance Technologies RDT 1000 and the Pacific Biosciences PacBio RS. Expression Analysis offers solutions for challenging specimens such as whole blood and FFPE tissues, as well as nucleic acid isolation and data analysis services. Our quality system follows CLSI guidelines and our CLIA-registered laboratory supports GLP compliance.

About the American Society of Human Genetics

Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. The nearly 8,000 members of ASHG include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses and others with a special interest in human genetics. The Society's mission is to serve research scientists, health professionals and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG); (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, teachers, students and the general public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information about ASHG, please visit http://www.ashg.org.

About The Montreal Children's Hospital

The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation supports excellence in health care at the Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre www.thechildren.com/en/. This objective is attained by contributing to the advancement of teaching and research, and by purchasing cutting-edge medical equipment. The Foundation is currently promoting the $ 100 million Best Care for Children Campaign under the theme ‘'Help me build a brand new Children's''. The construction of the new Montreal Children's Hospital began in 2010, on the Glen Campus, in Montreal.