Sequenom, a life sciences company providing innovative genetic analysis solutions, has partnered with LifeCodexx, a company focused on the development of clinically validated Next Generation Molecular Diagnostics, for the commercialization of prenatal laboratory testing services in Europe. The companies have agreed to collaborate in the development and launch of a trisomy 21 laboratory developed test and other aneuploidies testing in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, with the potential for additional launches in other countries. 

The agreement with LifeCodexx initiates Sequenom’s first European commercial partnership in the field of non-invasive prenatal diagnostics. Under this initial five year licensing agreement, Sequenom has granted LifeCodexx licenses to key patent rights, including European Patent EP0994963B1 and pending application EP2183693A1, that enable the development and commercialization of a non-invasive aneuploidy test utilizing circulating cell free fetal DNA in maternal plasma. LifeCodexx will make certain upfront and minimum annual royalty payments to Sequenom as well as royalties based on sales of testing services.