NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Immucor today announced a collaboration with Stanford University spinout Sirona Genomics focused on human leukocyte antigen typing using next-generation sequencing.
Immucor will provide development funding to Sirona to support the commercialization of its NGS-based HLA typing sample preparation and bioinformatics offerings. Immucor will retain an exclusive option to acquire Sirona, which was spun out of the Stanford Genome Technology Center.
The Palo Alto, Calif.-based firm's NGS solution for HLA typing enables high-resolution matching up front without the need for secondary testing to resolve ambiguities, Immucor said.
Sirona's sample prep offering includes a unique primer and PCR mix formulation for robust, targeted amplification for full coverage and accurate genotype calls, Immucor added. The technology will be available to early access customers later this year.
"Our HLA typing solution will provide accurate, complete coverage of all major HLA gene regions," Sirona Co-founder and President Michael Mindrinos said in a statement. "Our integrated offering will enable customers to move from sample to result in a fully automated fashion that supports efficient lab workflow."
Norcross, Ga.-based Immucor focuses on transfusion and transplantation diagnostics. Earlier this week it said it was acquiring Sentilus, the developer of an inkjet-printed antibody microarray-based technology called Femtoarrays, for an undisclosed price.