Roche NimbleGen and High Throughput Genomics enter into a supply agreement

Roche NimbleGen (SWX:RO)(SWX:ROG)(Pink Sheets:RHHBY) and High Throughput Genomics, Inc. (HTG), provider of the quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay (qNPA), have entered into a supply agreement. Under the agreement, Roche NimbleGen will provide HTG with high density, multiplex DNA microarray slides for advanced gene expression analysis.

HTG will apply the company’s quantitative nuclease protection assay (qNPA) process to the microarrays to enable researchers to quickly and efficiently measure the gene expression levels in a variety of sample types. The agreement enhances HTG’s existing service capability offering with the ability to take a broader look at gene expression through the multiplex capability of the Roche NimbleGen microarrays. Sample preparation using qNPA technology allows for a much simpler, more cost-effective workflow versus traditional labeling methods, while the Roche NimbleGen multiplex technology offers a cost-effective high density microarray providing in depth gene expression information.

“HTG’s agreement with Roche NimbleGen affords us the opportunity to provide our customers with customizable content and an attractive sample preparation and processing format. Compared with other vendors, Roche NimbleGen was able to offer us unique and differentiated array synthesis and formatting capabilities that best meet our client needs,” said T.J. Johnson, president and CEO, HTG. “The combination of low cost, flexibility, and high throughput means HTG’s customers can derive substantial benefits quickly and we can increase the plex in the analysis process as needed.”

Gerd Maass, CEO of Roche NimbleGen said, “The partnership with HTG showcases the strengths of the two companies and the flexibility of the NimbleGen Arrays by pairing two innovative technologies to provide flexibility, time savings, and cost savings while offering the significant in depth genetic information that our high density arrays provide.”