Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and Menkes Disease tests now available

Published 12/12/2014

As we highly appreciate our customers’ feedback on our services, we have added two new tests to the testing menu based on the results of the resent customer survey. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease test uses massively parallel sequencing to analyze as many as 30 disease-associated genes. This approach allows distinguishing various forms of the disease and therefore preventing serial single gene testing. Deletion/duplication analysis of the PMP22 gene in the 17p11.2-12 region is also available. The duplications in this region could account for approximately 75 % of cases.

For Menkes disease testing we use Sanger sequencing to detect disease-causing mutations in the ATP7A gene.

Updated Stargardt disease APEX panel

Published 22/10/2014

Stargardt Disease APEX micoarray now detects 647 mutations in ABCA4 gene.

NGS panel including ABCA4, CNGB3, ELOVL4, and PROM1 genes is also available for Stargardt disease diagnostics.

Expanded NGS panels

Published 20/10/2014

Usher syndrome NGS panel now includes 20 genes – ABHD12, CDH23, CIB2, CLRN1, COL4A6, DFNB31, DSPP, GIPC3, GPR98, HARS, KARS, LHFPL5, LOXHD1, MYO7A, PCDH15, PDZD7, TNC, USH2A, USH1C, and USH1G. Leber congenital amaurosis test has also been expanded to 20 genes – AIPL1, CABP4, CEP290, CRB1, CRX, GDF6, GUCY2D, IMPDH1, IQCB1, KCNJ13, LCA5, LRAT, NMNAT1, OTX2, RD3, RDH12, RPE65, RPGRIP1, SPATA7, and TULP1. Skeletal dysplasia testing panel has been updated with two new genes – TRIP11 and WNT5A.

Shorter TAT for NGS gene panels

Published 10/10/2014

We are pleased to inform you that to allow more rapid diagnosis and counseling of patients we have started to provide NGS service with considerably shorter turnaround time. From now on TAT is 8 weeks for genotyping and 12 weeks for diagnostic package service for all NGS panels.

PREDICTION-ADR Meeting

Published 22/09/2014

The first annual plenary meeting of the PREDICTION-ADR consortium was held in Utrecht on September 9th and 10th, 2014. Prediction-ADR aims to discover the genetic factors predisposing patients to adverse drug reactions from cardiovascular disease drugs.

The meeting was focused on the planning of recruiting cases and controls for the ACEi induced angioedema and statin induced myopathy. Sequencing harmonisation and protocol for the uniform targeting of exome sequencing to be used for the main study were also discussed.

Learn more from the link below:

https://www.asperbio.com/wp-content/uploads/PREDICTION-ADR_Newsletter_1.pdf

DNA testing in Asper Biotech

Published 04/07/2014

Get familiar how DNA testing is performed in Asper Biotech’s laboratory.
The testing process from sample collection until results reporting will be displayed in this video.

ISO 15189:2008 Accreditation Announcement

Published 20/06/2014

As a result of systematical improvement of our testing quality, Asper Biotech is now pleased to announce receiving the accreditation for EVS-EN ISO 15189:2008 standard (certificate no L259). The certificate shows the laboratory’s competence and capability to meet the highest standards in clinical testing.

Asper Biotech at the ESHG 2014

Published 15/04/2014

Asper Biotech will present their recently launched tests for diagnostics of male factor infertility and celiac disease at the European Human Genetics Conference in Milan, 31 May-3 June. Step in, learn more about the tests and get acquainted with our experienced staff at the MiCo exhibition hall, booth no 242!

New version of Ashkenazi Jewish diseases microchip

Published 15/04/2014

An updated version of the APEX chip includes mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and LCA5 genes common in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. The test now detects up to 112 variants in 27 genes providing better screening and diagnostics for people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

15 years in genetics − 15% discount for NextGen

Published 13/03/2014

Asper Biotech is celebrating its 15th year in genetic testing. Since founding in 1999 it has seen great development in understanding the changes in human genes from sophisticated science projects to the everyday use of genetic data. By celebrating its 15th anniversary and honoring new technologies Asper Biotech is offering 15% discount from all Next Generation Sequencing tests during its birthday month from 17th of March to 17th of April. Just contact info[at]asperbio.com for more information.

Asper Biotech launches Male Factor Infertility Test

Published 28/02/2014

Male Factor Infertility Test combines APEX assay and PCR-based testing to detect the most prevalent genetic factors causing male infertility, such as Klinefelter syndrome; AZF-microdeletions; mutations in the CFTR gene; genes involved in folate metabolism; cryptorchidism, hypogonadism and spermatogenic failure linked genes as well as polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene.

Simultaneous testing of hundreds of genetic markers implicated in male infertility provides insight into the causes of infertility and gives valuable knowledge for treatment planning.

For more information please view https://www.asperbio.com/asper-reprogenetics/male-factor-infertility

Olympics Offer

Published 05/02/2014

As the Olympic Games in Sochi are beginning this Friday, Asper Biotech is cheering for Estonian athletes. Since there are five Olympic rings we lowered the price for our sports test by five Euros – one Euro for each ring. This offer is valid till the closing ceremony on the 23rd of February.

For 75 Euros you would now know your genetic prerequisite to aspects of athletic strength, speed and endurance. In case you just cannot choose between skiing and bodybuilding then the test results may help. The sample material is harmless buccal swab – a tool that everyone can easily use at home and send the sample us in simple envelope.

Citius, Altius, Fortius!

Contact info[at]asperbio.com for ordering.

Asper Biotech at the Koira 2013

Published 11/12/2013

Asper Biotech is participating at the Finland’s biggest dog event Koira 2013 from the 13 to 15th December in Helsinki. You are welcome to visit our booth # M28 at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. Next to presenting our Animal Genetics portfolio will be launching also, several brand new DNA tests for Labrador Retrievers, Beagle Dogs as well as for other breeds.

Panel of Mitochondrial Diseases at Asper Biotech

Published 04/12/2013

A new testing panel targeted to mitochondrial diseases is now available. The testing panel combines NGS, Sanger sequencing, and aCGH technology to examine alterations in mitochondrial genes, as well as in nuclear genes associated with mitochondrial disorders.

The tests can be ordered separately or as a set of several tests according to specific indications. Ordering the set of tests gives 10% discount from the total price. Learn more: https://www.asperbio.com/mitochondrial-diseases

Asper Biotech at MiSeq Day

Published 27/11/2013

Asper Biotech’s scientist Piret Põiklik gives a presentation at MiSeq Day in Helsinki on Monday 2nd December. The presentation will focus on implementation of Illumina TruSight Exome assay in a routine laboratory setting. The meeting held by Illumina Ltd is targeted on the multitude of different applications for the MiSeq.

Christmas present for new customers

Published 20/11/2013

To welcome all our new customers Asper Biotech is offering you a nice -10% discount from all price list services. Just take your samples, fill in the submission form and send them to us. The offer period starts now and lasts till the end of 31st of December 2013.

Asper Biotech announces a new carrier test for Hutterite population

Published 25/10/2013

The new carrier test aims to detect the most common mutations associated with autosomal recessive disorders in the Hutterite population. The test can be used in population-based carrier screening for 30 different syndromes. Carrier testing is vital for counseling individuals with a family history of severe diseases in order to assess reproductive risks.

New article on Lynch syndrome mutations

Published 14/10/2013

A new article on Lynch syndrome mutations shared by the Baltic States has been released with the participation of Asper Biotech’s researchers. The study supports the idea that populations from neighboring countries can share genetic alterations in MMR genes as 20% of families from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with known MMR pathogenic changes carry mutation detected previously in Poland.

For the original article published by Clinical Genetics: Lynch syndrome mutations shared by the Baltic States and Poland

Updated version of XLRP test

Published 08/10/2013

X-linked retinitis pigmentosa test has come through a profound update. In addition to analysis of 187 mutations in the RP2 and RPGR genes by APEX technology, the testing now includes mutation detection in the ORF15 region, as well as exon 15a and exon 15b deletions in the RPGR gene. The ORF15 region is detected by Sanger sequencing and can be ordered separately.

Asper Biotech’s new collaboration project

Published 02/10/2013

Asper Biotech is participating in a new collaboration project PREDICTION-ADR – Personalisation of tREatment In Cardiovascular disease through next generation sequencing in Adverse Drug Reactions. The new European-wide study led by the University of Dundee is set to investigate whether genetic research could be used to predict the side effects of statins and ACE inhibitors.

“Statins and ACE inhibitors are the most effective drugs at preventing cardiovascular disease, but they need to be used better,” said Professor Colin Palmer, from the University of Dundee, who is leading the study.

With the advent of affordable whole genome sequencing, genetic research is now at the point where it can be effectively used to identify `biomarkers’ which signal whether a patient can take the drugs safely or not.

The aim of the trial is to identify reliable biomarkers, which could then be developed into a commercially available clinical test. Partners of the study include the Universities of Liverpool, Utrecht, Uppsala and the private sector firm PGXIS. The study is funded with a €3million grant through the European Union FP7 Health project.

Paternity testing service launched

Published 23/09/2013

Our latest release is a 16-marker genetic analysis panel for paternity testing. Results of the test enable confirmation of biological father-child relationship. Sample collection procedure with buccal swab makes it easy to perform and guarantees reliable material for lab analysis. Blood samples can also be sent for paternity testing. The test results are available in 5 days.

In addition to direct paternity identification it is possible to confirm other biological relatedness, for example to confirm putative siblingship etc. In order to establish other biological relationships, please contact Asper Biotech at info[at]asperbio.com.

Online ordering now available

Published 30/08/2013

To improve the ordering process for our customers, Asper Biotech has established a new online ordering system.

On the page of each test you can find Ordering information with the detailed description of the ordering process and the link to Online ordering. Please note that there are separate forms for the diagnostic package service and the genotyping service. Fill in the form, submit your order, and print it out so that you can send in the hard copy of your order with the samples.

We would appreciate any feedback you can provide regarding the new online ordering forms. The presently used downloadable ordering forms will also remain acceptable.

Whole exome sequencing for just 890 Euros

Published 19/06/2013

Asper Biotech is offering whole exome sequencing at introductory price of 890 Euros providing average coverage of 50x per exome.

As the summer is approaching it is now a good time to collect samples for sequencing with excellent quality and low-cost. The call for sample shipment starts today and lasts till the 31st of August.

Technical details:

  • Price 890 Euros per sample
  • 50x coverage
  • Annotated VCF file
  • Target region size 37 Mb
  • Number of target exons 201 121
  • Final day for the shipment 31st of August
  • TAT 13 weeks

Just place the samples in the envelope, include the filled form and send to
Asper Biotech
Vaksali 17a
Tartu 50410
Estonia
Ph: +372 7307 295

PS. Please note that although diagnostic package is also included to the form the stated price is for genotyping service only.

New version of Usher Syndrome test

Published 07/05/2013

Asper Biotech has launched a new version of Usher syndrome test. The APEX-based test has been updated to include 810 alterations associated with different types of Usher syndrome, as well as nonsyndromic hearing loss and deafness.

For more comprehensive diagnostics we are also offering Usher syndrome Next-Gen Panel that covers the analysis of eleven disease-related genes – ABHD12, CDH23, CLRN1, DFNB31, HARS, GPR98, MYO7A, PCDH15, USH2A, USH1C, and USH1G.

For more information please view https://www.asperbio.com/asper-ophthalmics/usher-syndrome.

DNA Analysis in Russian language

Published 07/05/2013

For those of you who are fluent in Russian we have a pleasant news about our animation – it is now also available in Russian. Please visit http://www.youtube.com/ in order to take a look at the whole process with text in Russian language.

However it must be emphasised that APEX is only one of the technologies we use in screening patient DNAs. Amongst APEX we have also NextGen and Sanger sequencing that can be very well combined.

Asper Biotech at the ESHG 2013

Published 26/04/2013

Asper Biotech invites you to visit our booth no 270 at the Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Genetics in Paris, France on June 8-11. We will be presenting updated version of the Asper Ophthalmics’s tests such as Usher Syndrome that is currently in the phase of larger update, as well as a new development we have now NextGen Sequencing service for both research and diagnostic needs available for most of our tests. More information about NGS services available on our website https://www.asperbio.com/ngs-service or in the booth 270 at the ESHG in June.

DNA analysis in Asper Biotech

Published 11/04/2013

Have you ever wondered what is happening to your DNA samples once you have shipped them off to Asper Biotech? Now you have a great possibility to see the whole process at human level:

Asper Animal Genetics

Published 01/04/2013

Asper Biotech just launched a new brand – Asper Animal Genetics. There are several hereditary conditions that are common for animals and each species has it’s own conditions. Some of them are important for selective breeding to rule out the undesired features as others are very serious diseases that needs an expert whilst handling the offspring. Currently there are two syndrome tests available for dogs – Episodic falling syndrome and Curly coat & Dry eye syndrome.

As the newest of Asper Biotech’s portfolios the Asper Animal Genetics is constantly in the phase of active growth and you are most welcome to revisit the page in order to discover new species and new tests. In case the test of your interest is not enlisted to the catalogue you can contact us in order to find out whether the planned test is in the pipeline. Moreover – all the help in elaborating and developing such tests is always welcome.

DNA analysis using the APEX technology

Published 18/03/2013

In a pool of different technologies developed for the DNA screening APEX stands out for its unique approach for targeted analysis. In this short 3D animation clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UisFrD2AEII you can see the whole process in practice starting from the DNA already extracted from blood till the final data analysis. For either the medical purposes or just research screening ones the selection of the right technology can be crucial. In case your planned project involves many genes and different sites from them then APEX technology is a good choice as it is well suited for already characterized genetic markers and operates with well-known information.

In addition to APEX we have also adapted NextGen and Sanger sequencing to our services. Whilst APEX allows simultaneous, cost effective detection of hundreds DNA alterations in many different genes and as an addition to the panel of genetic tests that are currently available on our website https://www.asperbio.com/genetic-tests we are always open to offer our expertise in  developing new state-of-the-art genetic tests for common and rare genetic diseases. Just contact Asper Biotech and we’ll discuss your project with our scientific team.

PS. In case you would like to know more about the comparison of two different technologies please take a look at a blog post http://www.genorama.com/EN/about-genorama/blog/validated-microarray-based-genorama-apex-technology-has-its-niche-in-the-diagnostic-lab/ by our sister company Genorama. The post compares the two approaches and elucidates how one can merge both technologies.

Next generation sequencing services out now

Published 11/03/2013

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have improved throughout the years as rapid, high-throughput and cost-effective approaches to fulfil medical sciences and research demands. Asper Biotech has now implemented Illumina MiSeq to it’s routine workflow and offers a variety of NGS services in it’s CLIA certified laboratory. The list of services can be found from Asper Biotech’s page here. Our highly experienced scientific team as well as medical doctors are here to deliver you the results for both scientific and medical diagnostic projects. Just contact info[at]asperbio.com for more information.

Another step towards the personal medicine

Published 25/02/2013

An article of Asper Biotech’s participation of a cancer research project CTCtrap (circulating tumour cells) was just realised in the biggest Estonian newspaper. The CTCtrap method investigates the possibility of “catching” free circulating cancer cells from the bloodstream. In case of a success, this method could possibly lead to a solution where cancer, once beaten, would never return.

Anu Aaspõllu a senior scientist in Asper Biotech told that CTCtrap method would help to improve the cancer diagnostics and treatment significantly and is another step towards the personal medicine. The whole international study of eleven partners from seven countries is led by Leon Ter­stappen a professor of Medical Cell Biophysics of the University of Twente, The Netherlands. European Union is funding the research with 6 million Euros whilst the whole budget is much larger as all the partners must contribute from their side as well.

In case you are fluent in Estonian, you can read more from http://www.tartupostimees.ee/1145100/uus-meetod-ajab-vahirakud-loksu/.

New article on CSNB testing

Published 15/02/2013

An article on congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) by Dr. Zeitz and three scientists from Asper Biotech was just published in Methods in Molecular Biology (Methods Mol Biol. 2013;963:319-26.). The article describes APEX-based method for the analysis of mutations associated with CSNB.

Details for the article: Arrayed primer extension microarray for the analysis of genes associated with congenital stationary night blindness Vaidla K, Uksti J, Zeitz C, Oitmaa E. Methods Mol Biol. 2013;963:319-26.

Follow us on Twitter

Published 28/01/2013

It is a new and exciting year full of great progress for Asper Biotech and we do all that for you dear customers and partners. Sometimes tiny details around the activities may remain unnoticed from you despite they might matter for you, therefore we decided to open up a Twitter account[at]asperbiotech. We will use this channel to share  you news about Asper Biotech, as well as stories and scientific breakthroughs that our team has picked up from media. We would appreciate if you could add our Twitter account[at]asperbiotech to your list of followed sources and share this news further to your friends and colleagues. We would like to be in touch with your achievements,  so we will do our best to follow you as well.

MiSeq sequencer at Asper Biotech’s lab

Published 22/01/2013

Asper Biotech is pleased to introduce a new addition to our lab – MiSeq sequencer from Illumina. Part of our strategy lies in broadening the variety of different technologies used in DNA testing. Once the initial training has been completed and the MiSeq has been adapted for our lab environment and everyday working processes we will provide more information about our next generation sequencing services currently under development.

CLIA Certificate

Published 14/01/2013

Asper Biotech proudly announces that we received CLIA Certificate (ID 99D2046227), proving our laboratory services being in compliance with all applicable CLIA requirements. We have been steadily operating in accordance with the highest clinical standards and good laboratory practice. Hence, becoming a CLIA approved laboratory affirms our common effort to systematically improve the quality of our diagnostic services.