Complete Genomics Launches Comprehensive Cancer Sequencing Service at ICHG/ASHG 2011

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and MONTREAL, Oct. 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Complete Genomics Inc. GNOM, the whole human genome sequencing company, introduced its new Cancer Sequencing Service today at the International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG) and American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Annual Meeting in Montréal. Complete Genomics' new Cancer Sequencing Service addresses the substantial challenges inherent in sequencing cancer genomes, such as tumor heterogeneity, normal contamination referring to the common mix of tumor and normal tissue within a tumor sample, and widespread copy number changes.

"Each case of cancer is complex and different," said Dr. Clifford Reid, chairman, president and CEO of Complete Genomics. "A cancer-specific sequencing service is required to provide the highest quality data for each tumor. We provide researchers with a complete set of features relevant to tumor sequencing such as direct tumor and matched normal comparisons, the ability to modulate sensitivity and specificity, and additional reports in commonly-used formats."

"Complete Genomics has already sequenced more than 650 tumor-normal pairs, with many more in queue," Dr. Reid continued. "We use the knowledge gained from each sequenced genome to refine our solution."

Complete Genomics provides comprehensive whole-genome reporting of somatic and germline variations, which are both important for elucidating the underlying mechanism and susceptibility in cancer. Results provided include single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions, deletions, structural variations such as gene fusions and translocations, copy number changes, and mobile element insertions. Variations are assigned comprehensive functional annotations —a critical feature that enables prioritization of identified variations and can help studies to focus on the events most relevant to the disease. The streamlining of this biological contextualization process shortens the time from receipt of data to novel discoveries.  

The Complete Genomics Cancer Sequencing Service uses advanced algorithms specifically developed to handle the complexities of cancer. These algorithms provide for better sensitivity to detect variants present at a low allele fraction due to heterogeneity and copy number variation in tumor specimens. The service features deeper sequencing (minimum 80x, twice Complete Genomics' standard 40x coverage) to provide a higher read count, increasing the likelihood that a variant will be detected, even when its presence in the sample is low. Complete Genomics ensures that an individual's tumor and matched normal samples are prepared, sequenced, analyzed and delivered together, ensuring both high-quality data and fast turnaround time.

By the end of October, Complete Genomics will be releasing publicly a set of four genomes (two tumor-normal pairs), which are well-characterized cell lines from ATCC, (American Type Culture Collection) derived from breast cancer patients sequenced using the new service. Combined with the 69 genome datasets that Complete Genomics released on Feb. 3, 2011, and April 6, 2011, this provides the research community with a public data repository of 73 complete human genomes. In addition, Complete Genomics will be releasing an update to the existing 69-genome dataset generated using the new analysis pipeline. With this updated dataset, researchers will have access to a comprehensive collection of small variations in the diversity panel, new reporting of structural variation breakpoints composed into events, and visualization of genome-wide genomic alterations summarized in Circos plots.

To support various downstream analysis workflows, Complete Genomics provides customers with Complete Genomics Analysis Tools (CGA™ Tools), a suite of open-source software that includes multigenome comparison tools to enable identification of recurrent mutations across a panel of tumor-normal pairs. An updated version of these tools is accompanying the Cancer Sequencing Service launch.

ICHG/ASHG 2011 attendees who would like to obtain more information about Complete Genomics' new Cancer Sequencing Service can visit booth Nos. 512, 514, 611 and 613. Additional information can also be found at www.completegenomics.com.

About Complete Genomics

Complete Genomics is the complete human genome sequencing company that has developed and commercialized an innovative DNA sequencing platform. The Complete Genomics Analysis Platform (CGA™ Platform) combines Complete Genomics' proprietary human genome sequencing technology with our advanced informatics and data management software. We offer this solution as an innovative, end-to-end, outsourced service, CGA™ Service, and provide customers with data that is immediately ready to be used for genome-based research. Additional information can be found at http://www.completegenomics.com.

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to the timing of the expected releases of genomic data sets and updated versions of CGA^™ Tools, as well as ability of scientists to use the genomic data that Complete Genomics provides to enable prioritization of certain genetic variants to focus their research and shorten time to novel discoveries, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. The following factors, without limitation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: delays in production due to technical issues, the timing of sample arrivals, the ability of scientists to successfully analyze the genomic data we provide and the ability of researchers to convert genomic data into medically valuable information. More information on potential risks and uncertainties is included in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the risks identified under the section captioned "Risk Factors" in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on Aug. 15, 2011. We disclaim any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.