Eurofins develops first DNA test for forensic and paternity testing of twins

Eurofins Scientific (EUFI.PA), one of the global leaders in Genomics Services, announces a research breakthrough in genetic discrimination between identical monozygotic twins.

Until now science has accepted the fact that monozygotic twins - also called "identical" twins from one fertilized ovum - could not be genetically discriminated. Even though there were theoretical considerations that monozygotic twins are not fully identical in their genome, no tools existed for forensic DNA fingerprinting in crime or paternity cases.

This has changed now. Eurofins, the European leader in genomic services, forensics and paternity tests, has successfully completed a genetic and forensic research project on twins. Based on the results Eurofins has developed the world's first test to identify genetic differences between identical twins. These tests can now be used by authorities, courts and medicine to solve cases involving monozygotic twins as originator of DNA traces in crime, or as alleged parents.

Building on the long forensics and genomics expertise of Eurofins, the scientists used the unique combination of leading labs available at Eurofins to look at the differences in the genome of identical twins. For this purpose they applied Eurofins' advanced sequencing and bioinformatics technologies. Genome sequencing is a technique that allows researchers to read and decipher the genetic information found in the DNA of anything from bacteria to plants to animals. The vast amounts of data collected in this process are then analysed by means of intelligent proprietary information technology, called bioinformatics.

The scientists investigated the genetic material taken from sperm samples of two twins and from the blood sample of the child of one twin. Bioinformatics analysis revealed five mutations, so called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) present in the twin father and the child, but not in the twin uncle. These findings proved the hypothesis that rare mutations will occur early after or before the ovum has split into two, and that such mutations will be carried on into body and sperm cells.

The Eurofins "Twin Test" is available in all laboratories of the Eurofins Genomics Business Line. The test will be performed at the Eurofins DNA Campus in Ebersberg, at the laboratories of Eurofins MWG Operon and Eurofins Medigenomix Forensik GmbH.

For more information, please visit http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1872497313002275 or contact:

Notes for the editor:

Eurofins - a global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins Scientific is the world leader in food and pharmaceutical products testing. It is also number one in the world in the field of environmental laboratory services and one of the global market leaders in agroscience, genomics, discovery pharmacology and central laboratory services.

With 15,000 staff in more than 190 laboratories across 37 countries, Eurofins offers a portfolio of over 100,000 reliable analytical methods for evaluating the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin and purity of biological substances and products. The Group provides its customers with high-quality services, accurate results in time and expert advice by its highly qualified staff.

Eurofins is committed to pursuing its dynamic growth strategy by expanding both its technology portfolio and its geographic reach. Through R&D and acquisitions, the Group draws on the latest developments in the field of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer its clients unique analytical solutions and the most comprehensive range of testing methods.

As one of the most innovative and quality oriented international players in its industry, Eurofins is ideally positioned to support its clients' increasingly stringent quality and safety standards and the expanding demands of regulatory authorities around the world.

The shares of Eurofins Scientific are listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN FR0000038259, Reuters EUFI.PA, Bloomberg ERF FP).

Important disclaimer:

This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements and estimates contained herein represent the judgement of Eurofins Scientific’ management as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this release may not occur. Eurofins Scientific disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements and estimates. All statements and estimates are made based on the data available to the Company as of the date of publication, but no guarantee can be made as to their validity.