GlaxoSmithKline extends genetic research agreement

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has expanded an agreement with Illumina for genotyping services to examine the genetic characteristics of particular diseases.

With the aim of furthering drug development and disease understanding, Illumina will conduct a series of whole-genome disease association studies for GSK using the Sentrix HumanHap550 BeadChips genetic coverage system.

Illumina says the first of these studies entails genotyping 2,000 DNA samples of specific diseases to be provided by GSK. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The technology focuses on single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are types of genetic variation that interact in large numbers to produce certain diseases. Research into these polymorphisms could reveal more about how best to tackle these diseases.

Jay Flatley, Illumina’s chief executive offer and president, said this type of drug discovery research was becoming increasingly popular in the pharmaceutical industry.

He stated: “We’re very pleased to deepen our longstanding relationship with GlaxoSmithKline.”

“This agreement underscores the increasing rate at which pharmaceutical and biotech firms are adopting genotyping technology for discovery and pharmacogenomic applications,” he added.

GSK claims to have increased its drug development output by 90 per cent between 2000 and 2005. It also says it is the industry leader in the science and technology of genetic research.

Illumina has other contracts with companies like Johnson and Johnson, as well as deCODE Genetics, the Icelandic company.

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