Life Technologies collaborates with Ignite Institute to create genomic sequencing center

Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) and the Ignite Institute for Individualized Health announced today a collaboration to create a ground-breaking genomic sequencing center at Ignite’s new facility in Northern Virginia. Ignite will acquire 100 of the Applied Biosystems SOLiD™ 4 Systems, the most advanced next generation DNA sequencing platform on the market, establishing the largest concentration of genetic analytical power in North America. The SOLiD 4 System will enable Ignite’s scientists to sequence entire genomes quicker, more accurately and more cost effectively than previously possible. The instruments will provide the throughput to fuel the research that could yield countless diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic advances.

“That ability is now in place with the SOLiD 4 System, and we are very pleased to partner with Ignite, which is pioneering breakthrough research to make molecular medicine a reality.”

“Since developing the equipment that enabled the initial decoding of the human genome in 2000, we have been dedicated to accelerating the technology to perform mainstream sequencing of personal genomes for research as well as translational medicine,” said Gregory T. Lucier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Life Technologies. “That ability is now in place with the SOLiD 4 System, and we are very pleased to partner with Ignite, which is pioneering breakthrough research to make molecular medicine a reality.”

“This is truly a watershed moment for the genomic revolution that we have all been working toward,” said Ignite Founder and CEO, Dietrich Stephan, Ph.D. “Ignite was established as a non-profit collaborative enterprise to pioneer a new model for 21^st century medicine through molecular scientific discovery, rapid commercialization and practical application in patient care. Through our partnership with Life Technologies, we will be able to help transform personalized medicine from promise to practice.”

With the SOLiD 4 System’s new gold standard throughput power and accuracy, scientists at Ignite will be able to efficiently and completely sequence thousands of genomes. By comparing large numbers of genomes of people with and without specific diseases, researchers can accelerate the advent of personalized and molecular medicine – understanding the multiple molecular factors that cause disease.

Ignite is focusing research efforts on diseases that place the heaviest burden on personal and public health: cancers, metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer’s), cardiovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarction and stroke), and pediatric afflictions (such as autism spectrum disorder).

Installations of the SOLiD 4 Systems will begin in the first quarter and continue through the balance of 2010. Revenue related to this deal is expected to be recognized over the next three years.