deCODE and Illumina Form Alliance to Develop and Commercialize DNA-based Diagnostics

Companies to initiate work on molecular diagnostics for the risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer

17-May-2006

deCODE genetics and Illumina, Inc. announced the formation of a strategic alliance under which the companies plan to co-develop and commercialize DNA-based diagnostic tests in several major disease areas. The alliance will employ Illumina's platform for high-multiplex single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping to develop tests for gene variants deCODE has previously shown to have impact on the risk of a growing number of common diseases with major public health impact.

Under the terms of the agreement, Illumina will gain access to disease-related biomarkers for joint validation as diagnostic panels to be marketed and sold by Illumina on its forthcoming BeadXpress platform. The companies will share development costs and split the profits from sales of the diagnostics tests.

The alliance will initially focus on the development, validation and commercialization of specific diagnostic tests for variants in genes involved in three disease-related pathways: the gene-encoding leukotriene A4 hydrolase (linked to heart attack); the gene-encoding transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) (linked to type 2 diabetes); and the gene encoding BARD1 (linked to breast cancer).

As part of the agreement, Illumina will install its SNP genotyping platform at deCODE, enabling deCODE to expand its contract genotyping business to offer Illumina platform and assay technologies together with deCODE's proprietary analytical services for customers. deCODE will utilize the Illumina platform to carry-out high-density, whole-genome studies utilizing its comprehensive population genetics resources in Iceland including more than 100,000 participants in some 50 common diseases. This effort, which will enhance deCODE's proprietary gene and drug target discovery work and may provide genetic markers for additional diagnostic development.

https://www.analytica-world.com/en/news/54830/decode-and-illumina-form-alliance-to-develop-and-commercialize-dna-based-diagnostics.html