NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Preimplantation genetics laboratory Reprogenetics today announced a deal with Illumina as its preferred partner for the development of next-generation sequencing-based in vitro fertilization technologies.
Reprogenetics will expand its current array-based preimplantation genetic screening service to one using Illumina's VeriSeq PGS, a kit that leverages NGS to screen all 24 chromosomes to identify embryos with the greatest potential of producing a viable pregnancy. The Livingston, NJ-based company added that it will lead research collaborations with Illumina to investigate the accuracy of NGS protocols and to conduct randomized clinical trials in subsets of patients who are candidates for comprehensive chromosome screening.
The use of Illumina's technologies will allow Reprogenetics to maximize the potential of NGS-based technologies for preimplantation genetic screening, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and infertility in its laboratories worldwide, Reprogenetics said.
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"By combining our more than 20 years of expertise in preimplantation screening and diagnosis with Illumina's cutting-edge NGS platform, we have the right tools to deliver breakthroughs that improve the likelihood of positive pregnancy outcomes," Reprogenetics Founder and Director Santiago Munne said in a statement.