Agreement covers distribution of Horizon Diagnostics’ molecular reference standards products in Italy, San Marino and Vatican City

Cambridge, UK, 10th April 2013: Horizon Diagnostics (HDx), a division of Horizon Discovery (Horizon) and a leading provider of research tools to support the development and prescription of personalized medicines, today announced it has signed a distribution agreement with Diatech Pharmacogenetics srl. Diatech Pharmacogenetics becomes sole distributor of HDx’s molecular reference standards in Italy, San Marino and Vatican City.

The lack of availability of reliable and renewable sources of reference standards has been a major challenge to molecular laboratories. Even when patient samples are available, variability in DNA extraction and a lack of standardization have proven to be additional serious sources of error. The availability through Horizon of reliable and renewable genetically defined and thoroughly validated reference materials will provide 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. HDx recently 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).

“Horizon’s Molecular Reference Standards are a valuable addition to our personalized medicine portfolio and we are excited to be able to extend this offering to our customers,” said Fabio Biondi, Diatech Pharmacogenetics President. “The increased use of Molecular Reference Standards in laboratories around the world has the potential to improve delivery of molecular assays for a range of applications. Diatech, through deployment of our Myriapod SNP detection platform, is committed to driving improved accuracy in molecular diagnostics and subsequent treatment of cancer patients.”

“Horizon is committed to working with the best distribution partner; those dedicated to customer service, cutting edge science and ultimately better patient care,” commented Dr Brian Burke, Business Development Manager, Horizon Diagnostics. “We are delighted therefore to have signed this agreement with Diatech Pharmacogenetics.”