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10x Genomics, Berry Genomics Form NIPT Alliance

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – 10x Genomics has partnered with Berry Genomics to offer a new sequencing-based technology for non-invasive prenatal testing in China.

As described in a proof-of-concept study published in late 2016, the technology involves using linked-read sequencing to resolve the haplotypes of parental genomes. SNPs within and flanking the genes of interest in maternal plasma DNA are then identified using targeted sequencing, and relative haplotype dosage analysis is applied to deduce the mutation inheritance status of the fetus.

Under the terms of the deal, the companies will further develop the technology to enable the haplotyping of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma for prenatal diagnosis, and develop it into a service that Beijing-based Berry Genomics will offer in China.

Additional terms were not disclosed, although the collaboration will be discussed by 10x Cofounder and CEO Serge Saxonov at this week's JP Morgan Healthcare conference in San Francisco.

"Our technology, with its unique ability to resolve and haplotype genomic information, is well-suited for developing NIPT applications," Saxonov said in a statement. "We are looking forward to collaborate with Berry Genomics to advance clinical research and enable a new service offering for our partner in China."

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