British Columbia Cancer Agency Joins the Illumina Genome Network

Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced that the British Columbia Cancer Agency’s (BCCA) Genome Science Center has joined the Illumina Genome Network (IGN). IGN is designed to link researchers needing large-scale whole human genome sequencing with leading institutions that provide this application as a service using industry-leading Illumina sequencing platforms.

"Whole human genome sequencing is an essential tool for identifying and understanding the genetic underpinnings of human disease, with high-quality data needed to determine the subtle variations between individuals or patient populations,” said Tristan Orpin, Sr. Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Illumina. "The BCCA Genome Science Centre has earned a reputation as a key source of innovative genomic research and analysis, and we are pleased their wealth of experience will now be available through the Illumina Genome Network.”

"Illumina sequencers have powered our research into the human genome, and enabled us to make significant contributions to Canadian and international sequencing projects,” said Marco Marra, Ph.D., Director of the BCCA Genome Science Centre. "We are looking forward to working with other researchers in their efforts to illuminate the changes in the human genome that impact biological mechanisms.”

The BCCA is an agency of the Canadian Provincial Health Services Authority, and is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BCCA Genome Science Centre provides advanced genomics services to researchers in Canada and around the world.

All Illumina Genome Network partners are experienced and well-published using Illumina TruSeq™ technology, and have completed Illumina’s Certified Service Provider (CSPro^®) certification. Each possesses ten or more Illumina sequencing systems (HiSeq 2000 systems and/or Genome Analyzers), providing the scalability to handle even the largest sequencing projects with rapid completion times. The BCCA joins the University of Washington Department of Genome Sciences, National Center for Genome Resources, Macrogen/Genomic Medicine Institute, and Illumina’s own FastTrack Services lab as members of the Illumina Genome Network.

About Illumina

Illumina (www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.