RetnaGene test portfolio to receive national launch

Sophia Antipolis, France and San Diego-Sequenom Laboratories’ RetnaGene portfolio of laboratory-developed genetic tests will be nationally launched in the United States by Nicox S.A. subsidiary, Nicox Inc.

The portfolio includes RetnaGene AMD and RetnaGene LR-specialized genetic tests that assess an individual’s risk for advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In January, Sequenom granted Nicox Inc. exclusive promotion and marking rights for the portfolio tests.

The RetnaGene AMD test assesses the risk for wet AMD within 2, 5, and 10 years in patients who are aged 55 and older with early or intermediate dry AMD. The RetnaGene LR test assesses the lifetime risk of advanced AMD, wet or dry, in patients who have not been diagnosed with AMD, aged 55 and older, and/or with a family history of AMD.

Both tests evaluate genotype and other known risk factors, giving a complete assessment of a patient’s individual risk for developing advanced AMD.

“Expanding access to the portfolio of tests is an important milestone in the progress of the Nicox Ophthalmic Diagnostics franchise in the United States,” said Jerry St. Peter, executive vice president and general manager of Nicox Inc. “The (portfolio) tests allow for improved patient management by examining the most relevant genetic markers for a more accurate prediction of advanced AMD risk.”

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