Horizon Discovery and RIKEN GENESIS Sign Distribution Agreement

RIKEN GENESIS offers cutting-edge genomic products and services to a wide range of research institutions and corporations, and is a CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited laboratory for genome analysis services. 

Reliable and renewable sources of reference standards are essential for molecular laboratories; however a lack of availability has previously been a major obstacle.  Even when patient samples are available, variability in DNA extraction and a lack of standardization have proven to be additional serious sources of error. Horizon’s HDx division has developed reliable and renewable genetically defined and thoroughly validated reference materials, providing an industry standard for the development of and quality control of molecular assays, thereby directly improving their accuracy.

Horizon’s Molecular Reference Standards include FFPE cell line blocks and purified gDNA. In early 2013 HDx launched its first Quantitative Multiplex DNA Reference Standard, intended for researchers assessing multiple biomarkers in a single assay, using platforms such as next generation sequencing (NGS).

“Part of our mission at RIKEN GENESIS is to contribute to translating the results of genetic research into clinical settings,” said Yusuke Tsukahara, President and CEO, RIKEN GENESIS. “Horizon’s Molecular Reference Standards are a valuable step in the move towards practical implementation of personalized medicine, and we are delighted to be working with such a forward looking company.” 

“At the cutting edge of genome analysis, RIKEN GENESIS is an ideal partner for Horizon. We aim to affiliate ourselves with the best, like-minded companies for distribution; those dedicated to customer service, cutting edge science and ultimately better patient care,” commented Dr Brian Burke, Business Development Manager, Horizon Diagnostics. “We look forward to working with the team to develop the molecular reference standards market in Japan.”