Singapore: Agilent Technologies has partnered with Angsana Molecular & Diagnostics Laboratory, Singapore based multisite molecular diagnostics service provider, to supply genomics products to to develop new genomics-based assays customized for Asian population.

The collaboration would enable Angsana to develop molecular diagnostics to create new solutions focused on fetal and maternal health. To develop the assays, Angsana will use a range of Agilent technologies, including DNA microarrays, target enrichment platforms, DNA/RNA quality control tools, automated liquid handling, and probes that incorporate fluorescence in situ hybridization, or FISH, a technique used to detect the presence of specific DNA sequences.

“Agilent's cutting-edge genomics technology enables precise identification of genetic changes,” said Mr Russell McInnes, director of sales for genomics in the Southern Asia Pacific and Korea, Agilent. “We are delighted to partner with Angsana as they develop new molecular assays relevant to local populations.”

“Angsana aims to be a life care company committed to better health care through providing trusted and high-quality molecular diagnostics services to the regional health-care network in Asia,” said Dr Chris Tan, chief executive of Angsana.

“Partnership with Agilent allows us to capture the best offered by the technology and to stay ahead of the competition.” “About 2 to 3 percent of babies are born with some type of birth defect, many of which are due to chromosomal abnormalities,” said Dr Richard Choy, chief scientific officer and managing director of the CAP-accredited Angsana Hong Kong Laboratory.

“Technologies like the microarrays and target enrichment-based sequencing offered by Agilent provide the means to enable us to analyze genetic information in a fast, accurate and cost-effective manner. Through close collaboration with local maternal and fetal specialists, Angsana will be able to develop customized molecular assays validated for diagnosing chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus, providing expectant parents with a higher level of assurance.”