Within the next four years GATC Biotech plans to analyse 100,000 human genomes in particular for the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industry as well as for academic research. This will be realised by applying Illumina's HiSeq 2000 as well as GATC Biotech's latest acquisition, the single molecule sequencing platform PacBio RS.

To achieve this goal, GATC Biotech expands its business portfolio by opening a business unit for human genome analysis. This new strategic unit is located in the company's German headquarters and focuses on the sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of human samples of all sizes; from small enriched regions to entire genomes.

"By the end of 2010 we will have analysed more than 100 human genomes, an even higher number as announced in 2007," comments Dr. Kerstin Stangier, Director Business Development and head of the new business unit. "Based on this experience and know-how, we can offer highest flexibility and quality as well as short delivery times. The new business unit includes a LIMS controlled production workflow with automated library preparation and an extensive bioinformatics pipeline which can be adapted to any project goal. Current collaborations, for example with the International Cancer Genome Consortium, have been very helpful for the development of this pipeline."

GATC Biotech is Europe's leading sequencing service provider. The company more than doubled its staff within the past three years and has currently close to 120 employees.

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