QIAGEN and Bode Technology partner to advance use of GEDmatch PRO forensic genetic genealogy database

Rhea-AI Summary

QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN) has announced a partnership with Bode Technology, making Bode the exclusive global commercial partner for the GEDmatch PRO genealogy database. This database assists police and forensic teams with investigative comparisons of genetic data. The multi-year agreement aims to accelerate the use of GEDmatch PRO in law enforcement and identification of human remains.

Key points of the partnership include:

• Bode will manage all commercial transactions for GEDmatch PRO globally
• QIAGEN will continue developing new features with input from Bode's genealogy experts
• The partnership leverages QIAGEN's expertise in forensic products and Bode's forensic services
• It will boost the use of QIAGEN's next-generation sequencing (NGS) products in human identification and forensic investigations

This collaboration is expected to enhance the adoption of extensive DNA data in solving cold cases and bring resolution to victims' families and friends.

Positive

• Partnership with Bode Technology as exclusive global commercial partner for GEDmatch PRO database
• Potential acceleration of GEDmatch PRO adoption in law enforcement and human remains identification
• Boost in the use of QIAGEN's next-generation sequencing (NGS) products for forensic investigations
• Leveraging QIAGEN's expertise in forensic products and Bode's forensic services

Negative

• None.

Insights

Forensic Technology Expert

This partnership between QIAGEN and Bode Technology marks a significant advancement in forensic genetic genealogy. By combining QIAGEN's GEDmatch PRO database with Bode's extensive forensic services, we're likely to see increased adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in criminal investigations.

The collaboration addresses a critical need in forensics - solving cold cases and identifying human remains when traditional methods fail. The use of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genetic associations offers a powerful tool for investigators, potentially revolutionizing how we approach unsolved cases.

However, it's important to note the ethical considerations. While the partnership promises enhanced capabilities, it also raises questions about genetic privacy and data security. The assurance that GEDmatch PRO users will retain ownership of their case data is a positive step, but ongoing scrutiny will be necessary to ensure responsible use of this powerful technology.

Legal and Privacy Expert

This partnership raises important legal and privacy considerations. While the potential for solving cold cases is significant, the use of genetic genealogy databases in law enforcement has been controversial.

Key points to consider:

• Data ownership and control: QIAGEN's commitment to user data ownership is crucial, but the details of data handling and access rights need careful scrutiny.
• Informed consent: It's unclear how individuals in the database will be informed about this new partnership and its implications.
• Regulatory landscape: As this technology advances, we may see new regulations emerge to govern its use in investigations.

The separation of the consumer GEDmatch database from GEDmatch PRO is a positive measure, but the potential for data crossover or misuse must be vigilantly guarded against. This partnership will likely fuel ongoing debates about the balance between public safety and genetic privacy.

QIAGEN chooses Bode Technology as its exclusive global commercial partner to accelerate use of GEDmatch PRO genealogy database in law enforcement and identification of human remains // Collaboration ensures GEDmatch PRO development remains focused on the needs of forensic genealogists and investigators in the U.S. and other countries worldwide // Partnership builds on QIAGEN’s leading global position in providing extensive portfolio for use in human identification and forensics

Venlo, the Netherlands, and Germantown, Maryland, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QIAGEN N.V. (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced that Bode Technology, the largest private U.S. forensics laboratory company with a growing presence in other regions, would become the exclusive global commercial partner for the GEDmatch PRO genealogy database, which is used to assist police and forensic teams with investigative comparisons of genetic data.

The multi-year agreement between QIAGEN’s subsidiary Verogen and Bode extends the long-standing partnership of two leading companies in forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) to further accelerate the use of GEDmatch PRO in law enforcement and identification of human remains. QIAGEN has been providing GEDmatch PRO to customers since the early 2023 acquisition of its subsidiary Verogen, a proven leader in equipping forensic science laboratories and criminal investigators to use next-generation sequencing (NGS) to gain deeper insights.

GEDmatch PRO is the leading forensic investigative genetic genealogy solution and has been used around the world to solve cases that could not be solved with traditional genetic fingerprinting. When capillary electrophoresis (CE) based analysis fails to yield an identification, NGS can find patterns of ​single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the basis for finding genetic associations in GEDmatch PRO.

Combining QIAGEN’s expertise in forensic products and Bode Technology’s in forensic services will also further boost the use of QIAGEN’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) products for use in human identification (HID) and forensic investigations.

As part of the partnership, Bode will manage all commercial transactions for GEDmatch PRO globally, while QIAGEN will continue to develop new features with input from Bode’s genealogy experts. Bode will maintain the highest level of data security as GEDmatch PRO users will continue to own their case data and no additional identifying information will be shared with Bode.

QIAGEN’s subsidiary will continue to have sole responsibility and manage the separate GEDmatch consumer database and its free DNA comparison-and-analysis website, which are not affected by this partnership.

”This partnership will accelerate the adoption of using extensive DNA data to enable many cases to be solved, including investigations that have gone 'cold', and bring resolution to the families and friends of victims,” said Richard Price, Vice President and Head of QIAGEN's Human Identification and Forensics business. “This partnership leverages the resources of QIAGEN and Bode to further improve GEDmatch PRO while maintaining the highest level of ethics, data privacy and security that customers have come to expect. QIAGEN has worked well with Bode for over 20 years and this is a natural step in our partnership.”

“Our commercial responsibility for GEDmatch PRO means that law enforcement and other professionals can work with a single full-service accredited DNA provider for forensic analysis,” said Mike Cariola, President and CEO of Bode Technology. ”Our complete in-house workflow and extensive experience working with investigators means we can recommend the best technologies for specific cases and maximize the likelihood of successful outcomes.”

Bode will focus on client acquisition and service. As the largest private forensic DNA laboratory in the U.S. and a growing presence worldwide, including projects in Europe, Australia and the Middle East, Bode has nearly 30 years of experience providing a comprehensive set of state-of-the-art forensic DNA collection products, ISO 17025 accredited DNA analysis services, and research services to law enforcement, the justice system, and other government agencies worldwide.

QIAGEN has a leading position in the use of NGS for forensic and human identification applications and will continue to focus on enhancing GEDmatch PRO's software tools, security, and other features. QIAGEN leverages its NGS and FIGG technology on its MiSeq FGx instrument and ForenSeq Kintelligence workflow which is designed for use in forensic labs. This workflow can deliver results from severely degraded or contaminated DNA and challenging samples that are common in forensics.

About QIAGEN’s forensics and human identification portfolio

Having pioneered the introduction of commercial DNA purification kits for forensic casework samples in the late 1990s, today, QIAGEN’s comprehensive portfolio includes complete workflow solutions for forensic casework, sexual assault samples, missing persons, age estimation and tissue identification, anthropology research and kinship testing.

After the acquisition of Verogen in 2023, QIAGEN is the only company to offer a complete and integrated range of forensic solutions using PCR, dPCR, and NGS technologies. Its solutions for sample collection and preparation, assay set up and quantification, sequencing, bioinformatics and a genealogy database support law enforcement and forensic researchers through every step in the human identification pipeline

Learn more about GEDmatch PRO here: https://pro.gedmatch.com/about.

About QIAGEN

QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands-based holding company, is the leading global provider of Sample to Insight solutions that enable customers to gain valuable molecular insights from samples containing the building blocks of life. Our sample technologies isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from blood, tissue  and other materials. Assay technologies make these biomolecules visible and ready for analysis. Bioinformatics software and knowledge bases interpret data to report relevant, actionable insights. Automation solutions tie these together in seamless and cost-effective workflows. QIAGEN provides solutions to more than 500,000 customers around the world in Molecular Diagnostics (human healthcare) and Life Sciences (academia, pharma R&D and industrial applications, primarily forensics). As of June 30, 2024, QIAGEN employed more than 5,900 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information can be found at https://www.qiagen.com.

About Bode Technology

Based in Lorton, Virginia, Bode Technology operates one of the most internationally respected private forensic DNA laboratories. For nearly 30 years, Bode Technology has provided a comprehensive set of state-of-the-art forensic DNA collection products, DNA analysis services, and research services to law enforcement, the justice system, and other government agencies worldwide. Bode Technology’s forensic DNA experts have assisted in identifying criminals in every U.S. state, as well as victims of war, terrorism, crime, and natural disasters, including remains from the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center, Hurricane Katrina, and U.S. soldiers dating back to World War II.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. To the extent that any of the statements contained herein relating to QIAGEN's products, timing for launch and development, marketing and/or regulatory approvals, financial and operational outlook, growth and expansion, collaborations, markets, strategy or operating results, including without limitation its expected adjusted net sales and adjusted diluted earnings results, are forward-looking, such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that involve a number of uncertainties and risks. Such uncertainties and risks include, but are not limited to, risks associated with management of growth and international operations (including the effects of currency fluctuations, regulatory processes and dependence on logistics), variability of operating results and allocations between customer classes, the commercial development of markets for our products to customers in academia, pharma, applied testing and molecular diagnostics; changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners; competition; rapid or unexpected changes in technologies; fluctuations in demand for QIAGEN's products (including fluctuations due to general economic conditions, the level and timing of customers' funding, budgets and other factors); our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our products; difficulties in successfully adapting QIAGEN's products to integrated solutions and producing such products; the ability of QIAGEN to identify and develop new products and to differentiate and protect our products from competitors' products; market acceptance of QIAGEN's new products and the integration of acquired technologies and businesses; actions of governments, global or regional economic developments, weather or transportation delays, natural disasters, political or public health crises, and its impact on the demand for our products and other aspects of our business, or other force majeure events; as well as the possibility that expected benefits related to recent or pending acquisitions may not materialize as expected; and the other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F. For further information, please refer to the discussions in reports that QIAGEN has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source: QIAGEN N.V.
Category: Corporate

FAQ

What is the purpose of QIAGEN's partnership with Bode Technology for GEDmatch PRO?

The partnership aims to accelerate the use of GEDmatch PRO genealogy database in law enforcement and identification of human remains, leveraging Bode Technology's expertise as QIAGEN's exclusive global commercial partner.

How will the partnership between QIAGEN (QGEN) and Bode Technology affect GEDmatch PRO users?

GEDmatch PRO users will continue to own their case data, and no additional identifying information will be shared with Bode. The partnership maintains the highest level of ethics, data privacy, and security that customers expect.

What role will Bode Technology play in the commercialization of GEDmatch PRO?

Bode Technology will manage all commercial transactions for GEDmatch PRO globally, focusing on client acquisition and service. This allows law enforcement and other professionals to work with a single full-service accredited DNA provider for forensic analysis.

Will QIAGEN (QGEN) continue to develop GEDmatch PRO after the partnership with Bode Technology?

Yes, QIAGEN will continue to develop new features for GEDmatch PRO with input from Bode's genealogy experts. QIAGEN will focus on enhancing the software tools, security, and other features of the database.