Natera Adopts the DNAnexus Cloud Genomics Platform to Support a Portfolio of Next-Generation Genetic Tests

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DNAnexus Inc., a pioneer in cloud-based genome informatics and data management, announced at Personalized Medicine World Conference (PMWC) that Natera, Inc., a leader in non-invasive genetic testing, has adopted the company’s cloud genomics platform to support data analysis, storage, and sharing for its genetic tests. Using the DNAnexus platform, Natera has released a customized global cloud solution for laboratories. Key features include high security and compliance layers, cost-effective scaling to keep pace with the velocity of genomic data, and more control over IT budgets and evolving needs.

“The DNAnexus platform has made it easy for us to take advantage of cloud genomics by removing the costs and technical headaches associated with building a do-it-yourself alternative,” said Jonathan Sheena, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Natera. “DNAnexus is a strong partner for Natera, with expertise in deploying enterprise-scale genomic operations into the cloud that are easy to integrate into a running lab. We look forward to working together as Natera continues to grow its portfolio of genetic services and expand its global reach.”

In July 2014, Natera announced that its cloud-based software, which runs on the DNAnexus platform, received a CE mark, allowing the company to deliver Natera’s analytical services to laboratory customers in the European Union and other countries that accept the CE mark.

Natera is currently utilizing the DNAnexus platform to provide analytical software solutions to its laboratory partner that performs non-invasive prenatal paternity testing. Natera is also leveraging the platform, as it begins to enable laboratories worldwide to develop and commercialize non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), using Natera’s patented SNP-based algorithms. Currently the Panorama™ test marketed by Natera is available only from its CLIA-certified laboratory in California. Panorama™ is a safe, non-invasive prenatal screening test that uses a blood sample from a pregnant mother, drawn as early as 9 weeks into the pregnancy, to assess the risk of certain chromosomal conditions that may affect a baby’s health.

“We believe the cloud is the most secure place for genomic data and the only technology capable of keeping pace with the growth of the global genetic testing market,” said Richard Daly, CEO of DNAnexus. “The DNAnexus platform serves as a compliant command center capable of cost-effectively supporting multiple testing sites and enabling providers such as Natera with the technical platform to market and monetize their tests globally.”

DNAnexus facilitates the development and deployment of genomic-based test analysis pipelines through a cloud platform deployed on Amazon Web Services that supports virtually unlimited storage and computational resources. The company’s research and development team works with each customer to configure new or harden existing test pipelines. Using DNAnexus, test providers can deploy new tests and manage production operations with full versioning and auditing, and dissemination across multiple performance sites using advanced permissions and access protocols. Unlike traditional local-servers or cloud-based do-it-yourself approaches, DNAnexus offers an easy path to the economic, security, and scalability advantages of the cloud for genomics data. For more information, visit: https://dnanexus.com/diagnostic-test.

About DNAnexus

DNAnexus accelerates the development and delivery of genomic medicine with a global network for sharing and managing genomic data and tools. DNAnexus provides a technology infrastructure and toolset that is optimized for addressing the challenges of security, scalability, and collaboration, for organizations that are pursuing genomic-based approaches to health, in the clinic and in the research lab. The DNAnexus team is made up of experts in computational biology and cloud computing who are working with organizations to tackle some of the most exciting opportunities in human health, making it easier—and in many cases feasible—to work with genomic data. With DNAnexus, organizations can stay a step ahead in leveraging genomics to achieve their goals. The future of human health is in genomics. DNAnexus brings it all together. For more information please visit: https://dnanexus.com and follow us on Twitter @DNAnexus.

About Natera

Natera is a genetic testing company that develops and commercializes non-invasive methods for analyzing DNA. The mission of the company is to help families diagnose and manage genetic disease. In pursuit of that mission, Natera operates a CAP-accredited laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in San Carlos, Calif., currently offering a host of preconception and prenatal genetic screening and testing services primarily to OBGYN physicians and in-vitro fertilization centers. In 2013, the company launched Panorama™, a safe, simple test for pregnant women that screens for the most common chromosomal anomalies in a fetus as early as nine weeks of gestation. Tests developed by Natera have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, visitwww.natera.com.