VANCOUVER and BOZEMAN, Montana, October 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius Genomics, a developer of companion diagnostics, and Golden Helix, a global leader in genetic analysis solutions, announced today a collaboration under which Golden Helix will apply its expertise and technologies in SNP and copy number variant analysis and predictive modeling to advance development of Sirius' diagnostic pipeline.

Under this agreement, Sirius and Golden Helix are working together to develop a diagnostic to identify individuals who respond favorably to Vasopressin and similar compounds used in the treatment of septic shock and related conditions.

Septic shock occurs when sepsis (a severe infection spread via the bloodstream, characterized by a whole-body inflammatory state) leads to life-threatening low blood pressure. According to the US CDC, septic shock is the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, and the number one cause of deaths in intensive care units. Though the standard of care for addressing septic shock is intravenous norepinephrine, the mortality rate from septic shock remains approximately 50%.

Golden Helix is an ideal partner for Sirius Genomics' pipeline development, providing us with access to significant expertise in GWAS analysis and bioinformatics capabilities. The combination of our funding from the National Research Council of Canada and this partnership with Golden Helix enables us to focus our strengths in discovery and development on our pipeline of companion diagnostic programs, and focus on improving outcomes in critical care medicine, stated Chris Wagner, president and CEO of Sirius Genomics.

Advances in genomic technologies are making personalized medicine a reality for many conditions, said Dr. Christophe Lambert, president and CEO of Golden Helix. However, developing the molecular diagnostics that are fundamental to personalized medicine requires unique capabilities. Our partnership with Sirius brings those capabilities together, and we are excited about what will come of it.

About Sirius Genomics

Sirius Genomics develops companion diagnostics (CDx) that are closely tied to therapeutic decisions, leading to better patient outcomes through personalized medicine. Sirius generates value by improving the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical compounds. The Company correlates patient genetics with clinical outcomes, leading to proprietary and commercially viable CDx products that enable better drug treatment. The Company's first product is a genetic predictor of response to treatment for sepsis, a severe blood infection. Learn more at http://www.siriusgenomics.com.

About Golden Helix

Golden Helix is a leading bioinformatics organization, specializing in SNP and copy number analysis, genetic association software, and analytic services. Our innovative technologies empower scientists to determine the genetic causes of disease, transform drug discovery, develop genetic diagnostics, and advance the quest for personalized medicine. Used by hundreds of researchers at the world's top pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research organizations, Golden Helix products have been cited in over 300 peer-reviewed publications. For more information on Golden Helix, visit http://www.goldenhelix.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

For further information: Chris Wagner, President and CEO, Sirius Genomics, +1-604-484-7195; Andy Ferrin, EVP, Business Development, Golden Helix, +1-406-585-8137

SOURCE: Sirius Genomics Inc.

CONTACT: For further information: Chris Wagner, President and CEO, SiriusGenomics, +1-604-484-7195; Andy Ferrin, EVP, Business Development, GoldenHelix, +1-406-585-8137