Natera and Illumina Extend Supply Agreement, Broaden Existing Partnership to Include Oncology Field

SAN CARLOS, Calif., June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA), a leader in non-invasive genetic testing and the analysis of circulating cell-free DNA, today announced the extension of its supply agreement with Illumina, Inc., for up to 10 years. The agreement states that Illumina will supply Natera with sequencing systems and associated consumables for applications including non-invasive prenatal testing, transplant biology and for Natera’s oncology diagnostic tests currently in development.

"We are very excited to expand our partnership with Illumina," said Matthew Rabinowitz, Ph.D. and Chief Executive Officer of Natera.  "We have enjoyed great success with Illumina historically, and this extended agreement secures access to Illumina’s next-generation sequencing capabilities for the long-term."

Natera’s massively multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (mmPCR) technology and proprietary bioinformatics is currently used in its Panorama® non-invasive prenatal test*, which screens for Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Natera is applying this underlying technology to oncology diagnostics, which it is developing for various potential applications, including early detection, therapy selection, reflex testing, and recurrence monitoring.

"We are very pleased to expand our partnership with Natera," said Christian Henry, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Illumina. "Natera’s long-term commitment to develop products on Illumina’s sequencing systems is another illustration of our position as the NGS provider of choice for the global market."

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 transform the diagnosis and management of genetic disease. In pursuit of that mission, Natera operates a CAP-accredited laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in San Carlos, CA, and it currently offers a host of proprietary genetic testing services primarily to OB/GYN physicians and fertility centers, as well as to genetic laboratories through its cloud-based Constellation™ software system.

Tests include the Spectrum® pre-implantation genetic test for embryo selection during IVF; the Anora® miscarriage test to understand the genetic causes of a pregnancy loss; the Horizon™ carrier screen to detect inherited mutations; and the Panorama® non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) to screen for common chromosomal anomalies in a fetus as early as nine weeks of gestation.

Natera is also applying its unique technologies to develop non-invasive screening and diagnostic tools for earlier detection and improved treatment of cancer. These tests have not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit http://www.natera.com and connect on Twitter and Facebook.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon Natera’s historical performance and its current plans, estimates, and expectations, and are not a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent Natera’s expectations as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events may cause these expectations to change, and Natera disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including uncertainty in the development and commercialization of Natera’s planned future cancer products or other new products or if the results of its clinical studies do not support the use of its tests, or cannot be replicated in later studies required for regulatory approvals or clearances. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Natera’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in other filings Natera makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available for free on the company’s website at www.natera.com under the Investor Relations section, and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

* This test was developed by Natera, Inc. a laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although FDA does not currently clear or approve laboratory-developed tests in the U.S., certification of the laboratory is required under CLIA to ensure the quality and validity of the tests. ©Natera 2016 All Rights Reserved.

Contacts:

Natera, Inc.
Mike Brophy, Investor Relations, 650-249-9091 x1471
mbrophy@natera.com
Laura Zobkiw, Corporate and Media Relations, 650-249-9091 x1649
Lzobkiw@natera.com

Illumina Inc.
Investors: Rebecca Chambers, 858-255-5243
ir@illumina.com
Media: Gwen Gordon, 858-882-6822
pr@illumina.com

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SOURCE Natera, Inc.