SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and ZHONGSHAN, China, July 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM) and Ascendas Genomics today announced a strategic partnership to develop molecular diagnostics in China. Under the terms of the partnership, Ascendas Genomics will develop and commercialize molecular diagnostic systems and assays in China using microfluidic technologies included in the Fluidigm® Biomark™ HD and Juno™ systems.
Fluidigm’s microfluidic technology enables highly scalable and automated workflows for quantitative PCR, gene expression, copy number variation analysis and next-generation sequencing library preparation. Used by researchers around the world to detect somatic and genomic variations from patient samples, this unique technology enables the cost efficiencies, flexibility and proven analytical performance that laboratories need to meet the increasing demands of molecular testing.
“We strongly believe our partnership with Fluidigm will make it possible to develop cost-effective and robust genetic diagnostic tests for more patients in China,” said Dr. Chengyong Yang, Chairman and CEO of Ascendas Genomics. “Fluidigm is the world leader in microfluidic technologies for genetic analysis and the Juno system was selected by TIME Magazine as one of the top 25 inventions of 2015. The Juno and Biomark HD systems demonstrate superior performance in automation and ease of use, and provide great potential to advance diagnostic testing for the clinical labs and hospitals in China to enable the future of precision medicine.”
“We are very pleased to partner with Ascendas Genomics to expand our market position in China,” said Chris Linthwaite, President and CEO of Fluidigm. “Ascendas Genomics is an innovative molecular diagnostic company with experience in developing high-performing assays. With this partnership, we are excited to bring the scalable efficiencies of Fluidigm’s microfluidic technologies together with Ascendas Genomics’s expertise to further advance precision medicine in China.”
About Ascendas Genomics
Ascendas Genomics develops genetic solutions for diagnostic markets, provides technical and consulting services to clinical research laboratories, academic institutions and biotechnology companies, and offers immunodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic tests to hospitals and health care centers through its subsidiary company, Ruikang Diagnostics, a commercial reference lab. The company aims to be an influential player in the development and application of genetic diagnosis-related products, especially in the field of newborn screening and oncology genetic tests.
About Fluidigm
Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) develops, manufactures, and markets life science analytical and preparatory systems for markets such as mass cytometry, high-throughput genomics, and single‑cell genomics. We sell to leading academic institutions, clinical research laboratories, and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology companies worldwide. Our systems are based on proprietary microfluidics and multiparameter mass cytometry technology and are designed to significantly simplify experimental workflow, increase throughput, and reduce costs while providing excellent data quality. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, Biomark and Juno are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation.
Forward-Looking Statement for Fluidigm
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding anticipated development of diagnostics products and the potential impact of such products. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to, risks relating to uncertainties in contractual relationships and international regulated markets, challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; potential product performance and quality issues; intellectual property risks; competition; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, Fluidigm’s products; and risks associated with international operations. Information on these and additional risks, uncertainties, and other information affecting Fluidigm business and operating results are contained in Fluidigm’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Fluidigm’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.