Gene By Gene Launches DNA DTC

HOUSTON, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's largest processor of full mitochondria sequences, Gene By Gene, Ltd., today announced the launch of DNA DTC to offer highly reliable and competitively priced genomic testing solutions to institutional customers as well as to the Direct-to-Consumer market.

Genomic investigators at life science companies, contract research organizations, academic institutions and public-sector research facilities now have access to the company's Genomics Research Center, a CLIA registered lab, which has processed more than 5 million discrete DNA tests for more than 700,000 individuals and organizations since it was established 12 years ago. 

"Given the explosive demand for accurate, timely, and large-scale next generation sequencing, we're pleased to make our Genomics Research Center available to investigators exploring the cutting edge of research to pioneer and enhance treatment of disease, enhance quality of life, break new ground in genealogical inquiry and otherwise advance the science of genomics," Gene By Gene President Bennett Greenspan said.  "The launch of DNA DTC is the perfect complement to our other divisions, through which we make genetic testing advances every day in the fields of ancestry, health and relationship testing."

DNA DTC's Houston research center offers a wide range of Research Use Only (RUO) tests, utilizing next generation sequencing including the entire exome (at 80x coverage) and the whole genome.  The company offers several products at various levels of analysis and price-points, from cost effective and powerful tools like the Illumina Human OmniExpress BeadChip for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), to human mitochondrial tests, to the comprehensive results delivered by DNA DTC's Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing products. 

"Gene By Gene is a truly unique organization in their ability to drive advancements and discoveries in research, clinical applications, and consumer products.  We are very excited to be involved in building such a well rounded offering," said Matt Posard, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Illumina's Translational and Consumer Genomics business.

DNA DTC's automated laboratory and processes allow highly reliable testing with remarkable processing times and the most competitive prices in the industry.  For example, DNA DTC offers introductory pricing of $695 for Exome Sequencing 80x, using the Illumina HiSeq platform recognized for its high degree of accuracy in identifying variations in any individual's DNA sequence. 

With the launch of DNA DTC, institutional customers may take full advantage of Gene By Gene's proven Genomics Research Center, which has already served the needs of researchers from France's Institut Pasteur, Israel's Rabin Medical Center, University of Utah and the National Geographic Society's Genographic Project.  The facility processes more than 200 types of DNA tests for customers, is a leading  discoverer of Y-chromosome Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), and is the largest processor of human mitochondria sequences submitted to the National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank.

The company employs experienced scientists, including Chief Scientist Doron Behar MD, PhD., whose academic background, combined with his dual degrees in Internal Medicine and Critical Care Medicine, gives him unique expertise in evolutionary genomics, ancestry, phylogenetics and translational genomics.  Behar leads a multi-disciplinary team of experts working together to develop robust, competitively-priced genetic testing for consumers and institutional customers worldwide.

Customer Inquiries

Prospective institutional customers interested in more information on DNA DTC's RUO offering may visit www.dnadtc.com or contact the DNA DTC customer service team at [email protected] or 713-868-1438.

About Gene By Gene, Ltd.

Founded in 2000, Gene By Gene, Ltd. provides reliable DNA testing to a wide range of consumer and institutional customers through its four divisions focusing on ancestry, health, research and paternity.  Gene By Gene provides DNA tests through its Family Tree DNA division, which pioneered the concept of direct-to-consumer testing in the field of genetic genealogy more than a decade ago.  Gene by Gene is CLIA registered and through its clinical-health division DNA Traits offers regulated diagnostic tests.  DNA DTC is the Research Use Only (RUO) division serving both direct-to-consumer and institutional clients worldwide.  Gene By Gene offers AABB certified relationship tests through its paternity testing division, DNA Findings. The privately held company is headquartered in Houston, which is also home to its state-of-the-art Genomics Research Center. 

Media Contact:
Kate Croft
for DNA DTC and Gene By Gene, Ltd.
Casteel Schoenborn
888-609-8351
[email protected]

SOURCE Gene By Gene, Ltd.