Source BioScience to provide sequencing for UK lung disease research

Source BioScience is providing next-generation DNA sequencing services for a new study into lung diseases being conducted in the East Midlands.

The company is offering access to its genetics technology platforms from its Nottingham laboratory to support the collaboration between the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham, which has been set up by Healthcare and Bioscience iNet.

Research is focusing on the molecular basis of conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and builds on the previously-completed work of a consortium of scientists from the two universities.

The current scheme is being funded by 50,000 pounds worth of funding from iNet Collaborative Research and Development and has helped to encourage a major investment in the region from Pfizer.

Dr Nick Ash, chief executive officer of Source BioScience, said he believes the collaboration can "make significant inroads into the understanding of lung disease and, in the long term, lead to the development of targeted and personalised drugs to treat patients".

Last month, the company published its financial results for 2010, during which it saw a six percent rise in revenue to a total of 13.5 million pounds.