Canon BioMedical expands genotyping assays affecting people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage

MELVILLE, N.Y., March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Knowing that your genetic background may contain traumatic impacts for your offspring creates great concern, among other emotions, for parents. Of those of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, approximately one quarter carry a genetic condition, such as Canavan disease, Gaucher disease, or Tay-Sachs disease, in their DNA. Canon BioMedical is continuing to support the research of these conditions by releasing 5 new assays to complement the 23 currently available assays that target the genetic variations associated with these inherited diseases.

The Novallele genotyping assays detect genetic variations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis on any thermocycler capable of HRM. The use of HRM allows the differentiation of diverse variant types, such as the 7.6 kilobase deletion of the HEXA gene identified with the new HEXA 7.6kb del Novallele Genotyping Assay. Using the Novallele chemistry, researchers are able to detect a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and a 7.6 kb deletion in a single test run. The market does not currently have a similar solution capable of detecting such a diversity of targets using the same uniform chemistry.

"As we continue to develop our Novallele genotyping library, Canon BioMedical is working to advance the future of actionable, accessible genetic information," reveals Akiko Tanaka, president and CEO of Canon BioMedical. "We are excited to facilitate a scientist's ability to compile a research panel around the genetic basis of a disease. We are working toward a future that includes accessible carrier screening that empowers individuals."

Full details about these new products are available at www.canon-biomedical.com. In addition, Canon BioMedical will present the expanded Novallele genotyping library at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Annual Meeting in Tampa, Florida on March 9 as well as the Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference currently happening in San Francisco, California.

About Canon BioMedical

Canon BioMedical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., is focused on empowering the biomedical research and healthcare communities by developing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative technologies and solutions. The technologies and solutions developed will help enable clinicians and scientists to improve our health and advance science. Canon BioMedical will continue to pursue innovative solutions in line with Canon's Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility through the use of existing and emerging Canon technology as well as strategic partnerships.

Products mentioned in this release are for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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SOURCE Canon BioMedical

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