Sequenom discloses probes following firings

Sequenom says it is in contact with Nasdaq, US attorney, and SEC after investigation

• On 6:24 pm EDT, Monday October 5, 2009

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Sequenom Inc., which fired its chief executive and other senior leaders last week, said Monday it is in contact with the Nasdaq Stock Exchange and a U.S. attorney in California.

The genetic analysis test maker said the Nasdaq and the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California made contact with the company following its announcements on Sept. 28. It also said it met with representatives of the U.S. attorney and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sequenom said it will cooperate fully with the stock exchange and U.S. attorney.

The company said in April that employees had "mishandled" data on its SEQureDx Down syndrome blood test. After a five-month review, Sequenom fired president and CEO Harry Stylli and research chief Elizabeth Dragon, and three lower-ranking employees. Chief Financial Officer Paul Hawran and one other executive resigned the previous Friday.

The firings followed an investigation by a special committee of the company's board of directors. Sequenom said members of the committee have also met with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The probes were disclosed an a filing with the SEC. In aftermarket trading, Sequenom shares lost 5 cents to $2.97. The stock fell 6 cents, or 2 percent, to $3.02 during the day.

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