New System Provides Simple Workflow, Requires Minimal Amount of Sample Input and Hands-On Time

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., September 16, 2014 -- Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM) today launched an early access program for its new SNP genotyping platform, the Juno™ System, for its key production genomics customers and prospects. The new sample prep engine for SNP genotyping allows scientists to genotype low-concentration DNA samples from tissue, buccal swabs, FFPE, and polyploid organisms in less than three hours.

 

Traditionally, SNP genotyping requires substantial amounts of reagents, resulting in high operating costs, and high-concentration, high-quality samples. The high cost and sample quality constraints hampered the practical use of low-concentration DNA samples, such as buccal swabs and FFPE, in production genomics.

 

Fluidigm's new Juno System uses a first of its kind integrated fluidic circuit (IFC) that incorporates preamplification and genotyping of up to 96 samples and 96 assays on a single IFC. To address constraints of traditional SNP genotyping, the new IFC requires as little as 5.5 nanograms of DNA at a concentration of 2.5 nanograms per microliter of sample (human genomic DNA equivalent). The Juno platform also reduces data collection time while diminishing the risks of error and PCR contamination inherent in multi-step protocols conducted in open-air microtiter plates. While other solutions on the market require multiple hands-on steps and at least five hours from sample to data, the one-step, walk-away Juno System workflow takes just 15 minutes to prep and produces data in less than three hours.

 

Fluidigm is also releasing new master mix chemistries that combine all of the reagents needed to perform integrated genotyping on the Juno System for both probe-based chemistry and Fluidigm's proprietary SNPtype™ chemistry.

 

"The new Juno System continues Fluidigm's journey to integrate industry-leading functionality and efficiency that enable our customers to produce high quality data with minimal work," said Gajus Worthington, Fluidigm President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our production genomics customers commonly struggle with highly variable or low concentration samples, whether they come from a buccal swab, a needle biopsy, a seed, or a biobank. Juno is an answer to this challenge," Worthington added.

 

Targeted uses for the Juno System include sample identification, quality control, and DNA fingerprinting by biobanking and cell culture facilities, and integrated on-chip preamplification and genotyping analysis by Agbio customers. Additionally, the flexibility and ease-of-use of the Juno platform will allow core labs to easily accommodate the needs of many different customers, and the system's ability to integrate preamplification and genotyping on a single IFC will allow clinical labs to economically provide rapid, accurate results from low-concentration DNA samples.

 

 

The Fluidigm Juno System is based on the company's innovative microfluidic technology that enables scientists to prepare samples for multiple SNP genotyping applications. The system consists of a platform, integrated fluidic circuit, and set of master mixes. Scientists can process low-concentration DNA samples (such as tissue samples, buccal swabs, blood, FFPE and polyploid organisms) and complete SNP genotyping analyses of the samples in less than three hours.

 

 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to Fluidigm's new products and programs, and Fluidigm's plans, objectives, expectations and/or strategies relating to such new products and programs. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products. Information on these and additional risks affecting Fluidigm's business and operating results are contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these statements except as may be required by law.

 

 

Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) develops, manufactures, and markets life science analytical and preparatory systems for growth markets such as single-cell biology and production genomics. We sell to leading academic institutions, clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and agricultural biotechnology companies worldwide. Our systems are based on proprietary microfluidics and multi-parameter mass cytometry technology, and are designed to significantly simplify experimental workflow, increase throughput, and reduce costs, while providing excellent data quality. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

 

For more information, please visit www.fluidigm.com.

 

Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, Juno, and SNPtype are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation.

 

 

Michaeline Bunting 

Senior Director, Marketing 

Fluidigm Corporation 

650 737 4190