TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies Introduces SureSelectQXT Target Enrichment Kits for Same-Day Sample-to-Sequencing

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today introduced the SureSelect^QXT Reagent Kit, a revolutionary next-generation sequencing target enrichment solution that produces sample-to-sequencing-ready libraries in just seven hours with only 50 ng of input gDNA.

Designed to meet the exacting needs of clinical researchers for a fast, easy, same-day sample-to-sequencing workflow, SureSelect^QXT kits are three times faster than existing transposase-based methods and require 30 percent less hands-on time. They are optimized for use with samples of limited availability and provide superior coverage of genomic targets for confident variant calling. Combined with the fastest sequencers on the market, these kits make sample-to-data in 24 to 36 hours a reality.

“We are excited to provide this fast, powerful new target enrichment solution to the clinical research community,” said Victor Fung, senior director of global marketing for Agilent’s Diagnostics and Genomics Division. “With SureSelect^QXT Reagent kits, researchers can quickly analyze exomes or target-specific genes with superior variant calling accuracy, and go from sample to sequencing in the same day.”

SureSelect^QXT kits’ unprecedented speed is achieved by coupling transposase-based library preparation with major advancements in hybridization chemistry, significantly decreasing hybridization time from 16 hours to 90 minutes while maintaining high performance. The kits’ proven hybridization technology enables the sensitivity and specificity required for the complete and accurate variant analysis of exomes or custom genomic regions. The kits are complemented by an extensive portfolio of target enrichment solutions for library preparation, capture, automation, quality control and data analysis needs.

Agilent’s SureSelect portfolio is the industry’s leading target enrichment solution. With reagents that address needs from every step of the sequencing workflow, SureSelect enables a complete solution for researchers to quickly and easily analyze specific regions of the genome, transcriptome and methylome. As part of the complete solution, SureSelect is supported by SureDesign software that enables custom capability; Bravo automation platforms that enable reproducibility and high-throughput sample processing; and SureCall software that enables quick, easy, streamlined analysis of genomic regions of interest.

For more information about SureSelect^QXT visit: www.agilent.com/genomics/qxt.

About Agilent in Genomics

Agilent Technologies is a global leader in target enrichment solutions for next-generation sequencing and genomic microarrays. By synthesizing custom complex mixtures of long oligonucleotides, SureSelect and HaloPlex target enrichment solutions enable researchers to identify genomic regions of interest for focused, cost-effective variant profiling, with workflows that generate sequencing-ready libraries in just one day. Agilent’s unique manufacturing technology is the foundation for Agilent’s genomics portfolio which includes SurePrint technology for accurate genome-wide measurement of gene expression, arrayCGH for combined copy number assessment with SNP information, and SureFISH, for highly sensitive and specific oligonucleotide fluorescent in-situ hybridization. Agilent also offers a microfluidic Bioanalyzer and TapeStation with complementary reagents and software for sample quantitation and quality assessment. For more information visit Agilent Genomics.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications. The company’s 20,600 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had revenues of $6.8 billion in fiscal 2013. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.

On Sept. 19, 2013, Agilent announced plans to separate into two publicly traded companies through a tax-free spinoff of its electronic measurement business. The new company is named Keysight Technologies, Inc. The separation is expected to be completed in early November 2014.

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