Roche and RainDance Technologies to conduct sequencing research

Roche is allying with fellow life science company RainDance Technologies on research into new targeted sequencing methods for application in drug analysis.

The Roche subsidiary 454 Life Sciences and RainDance will jointly develop and commercialise a targeted next-generation sequencing solution that will be used to analyse the drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) process.

This will incorporate technology and expertise from both companies and result in the launch of a core ADME gene screening research panel that can assess common pharmacokinetic and pharmacology genes, while also detecting functional mutations.

It is hoped that this research will help to broaden understanding and improve prevention of adverse drug events in future.

Christopher McLeod, president and chief executive officer of 454 Life Sciences, said: "We are pleased to be working with RainDance on the development of this powerful core ADME panel that provides a simple, cost-effective targeted sequencing solution to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research customers."

Last month, Roche published its financial report for 2010, noting growth in its diagnostic sales that outpaced the market as a whole.