Avesthagen Launches Commercial Whole Genome Scanning

Bringing Personalized Genomics to your Doorstep

BANGALORE, India, March 23, 2011 - Avesthagen Limited achieves another milestone as it announces the launch
of its commercial Whole Genome Scanning (WGS) service in India.

The human genome contains all of the biological information needed to
build and maintain an organism. DNA is essentially made of four kinds of
molecules, called bases that are arranged in a sequential order to form a
unit known as gene. The triplet of bases in the gene encode for amino acids
that are building blocks of proteins that carry out most of the cellular
activities. A change/mutation in the base-pair sequence of the gene(s) could
indicate that either certain proteins are not formed or are processed
differently, which may result in disease.

Identifying the mutation in the gene(s) could tell us the risk
(predisposition) of getting a particular disease in his/her lifetime. Disease
risk is one way of describing the likelihood of a person developing a
particular disease.

Avesthagen will use Affymetrix technology to decipher the association
between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and predisposition to the
disease. The DNA chip used for whole genome scanning features 1.8 million
markers of genetic variation that include SNPs and probes for copy number
variation (CNV).

A whole genome scan of an individual would provide information to
understand his/her own genetic make-up that would lead to an increased
awareness about the predisposition to disease(s). The diseases include major
types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, schizophrenia,
Alzheimer's, asthma, anemia, arthritis and others.

A streamlined sample collection and delivery system, will give Indian
customers access to personalized genomics services, which until now was
unavailable. Avesthagen will leverage its expertise in genomics and high
throughput facilities (200 samples per month) for carrying out these
analyses.

The whole genome scan will be carried out on DNA extracted from saliva /
buccal swab provided by the individual that can be ordered via email to
info@avesthagen.com. The results of the analyses will be available through a
secure web portal within 15 days after receiving the sample.

The report will consist of

1) List of the various diseases to which the person is predisposed.

2) Risk ratio of the disease occurrence and the association of the
disease to the mutation.

The Whole Genome Scan is currently being offered at 1000 USD.

Phone: +91-80-28411665

Website: www.avestawellbeing.com

For more information : www.avesthagen.com/docs/PR220311.pdf

info at avesthagen.com, Phone: +91-80-28411665