Cypher Genomics: Ahead of the Curve

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 21, 2013

Cypher Genomics is the simplest, fastest and most reliable bioinformatics software for large-scale human genome sequence data analysis and secure cloud-based data storage. Founded by four passionate individuals with a common dream, Drs. Ashley Van Zeeland, Nicholas J. Schork, Eric J. Topol and Ali Torkamani share an inspiring vision and a firm belief in the limitless possibilities of genetic interpretation. Together, these award-winning leaders in genomic medicine, quantitative genetics and computational biology built the fastest and most accurate true whole genome interpretation software in the industry.

With the desire to transform how clinical practice and translational research are conducted, Cypher Genomics stays ahead of the curve by focusing on innovation and cutting-edge analysis. The Cypher Genomics founders understand first-hand the complex combination of disciplines ranging from computer science to quantitative genetics to medicine, which collectively facilitate up-to-date, state-of-the-field genome processing. Each founder brings heart, talent and a unique skillset to the table.

"With over 100M unique genomic variants already seen," said Dr. Ashley Van Zeeland, Chief Executive Officer of Cypher Genomics, "and more than 90 annotations provided for each of the relevant 3.2B base pairs in the genome, the Cypher Core, which is the heart of the software, is an intelligent and ever-growing interpretation database and extensive analysis pipeline."

Dr. Van Zeeland is an award winning scientist and entrepreneur, and provides the critical link between basic science and industry.

"As the cost of DNA sequencing continues to decline, we will be faced with a tsunami of data to process. At Cypher Genomics, we have developed a unique solution that can accurately, rapidly and meticulously interpret an entire genome. Precision medicine has a bright future, and we are thrilled to be a part of it," said Dr. Nicholas J. Schork, Cypher Genomics Co-Founder and Advisor. Dr. Schork sheds insight into population genetics and cancer genomics. He is the scientific founder of five companies and has published more than 350 articles in the area of quantitative biomedical science.

Providing the physician's perspective and real-world clinical experience is Dr. Eric J. Topol, Advisor and Co-Founder of Cypher Genomics. Dr. Topol was the Course Director for the 6th Future of Genomic Medicine conference, recently held at the Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego. Physicians, health care professionals, researchers, human geneticists and genomic scientists from all around the country attended the conference.

Dr. Torkamani, Cypher Genomics' Chief Scientific Officer, gave an in-depth presentation at the Scripps Seaside Forum on finding causative mutations in patients with rare or idiopathic disease. Referencing the case of Lilly Grossman, a young girl who suffered painful nightly muscle tremors and whose various symptoms were largely a mystery, Dr. Torkamani, who lead the study, and his team were able to identify two genes that not only gave a name and a powerful insight into Lilly's condition, but for the first time offered hope for the possibility of treatment.

"The Scripps conference was not only an incredible opportunity to learn from and connect with others, but it was an indicator of just how fast the genomic landscape is growing," said Dr. Torkamani. "Genomic knowledge is transforming the practice of medicine, making it more precise and individualized. This is a prospect that we at Cypher Genomics are very excited about."

Dr. Torkamani's proven ability to fuse computational biology with basic principles of genetics and biochemistry is what enables the delivery of end-to-end genome interpretation solutions. Within the last four years alone, Dr. Torkamani has published over 30 manuscripts dealing with variant interpretation at the sequence and biological systems levels.

"Simple, secure and reliable, Cypher Genomics delivers the tools that empower everyone—from individuals to large genome sequencing centers—to be able to interpret whole genomes with cutting-edge precision," said Dr. Ashley Van Zeeland.

About Cypher Genomics: Cypher Genomics is an innovative bioinformatics software company that offers fast, accurate and reliable large-scale human genome sequence data analysis and secure cloud-based data storage. The software generates an increased likelihood of locating and identifying disease-causing mutations. With over 100M unique genomic variants already seen, and 90+ annotations provided for each of the relevant 3.2B base pairs in the genome, the center of the platform, the Cypher Core, is an intelligent and ever-growing interpretation database and extensive analysis pipeline. Cypher Genomics was incubated at EvoNexus, a CommNexus Incubator, San Diego's leading fully pro-bono technology incubator. Through innovative minds and state-of-the-field tools, Cypher Genomics is setting the standard for precision medicine for the benefit of humankind. For more information on Cypher Genomics, visit http://www.cyphergenomics.com.

media contact: Shannon Gusy
e. Shannon.Gusy@gmail.com
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