Invitrogen unveils pharmacogenomics collaboration

Invitrogen Corporation has announced a scientific collaboration aimed at advancing pharmacogenomics research through the development of novel methodologies and advanced reagents for targeted medical re-sequencing.

According to the life science technologies specialist, the project with Genome Quebec and Montreal Heart Institute Pharmacogenomics Centre will see Invitrogen scientists support research programmes at the centre.

This is aimed at improving the efficiency and speed with which researchers can identify single nucleotide polymorphisms – differences in single base pairs that typically occur in more than one per cent of the population.

Rob Bennett, Invitrogen’s vice president of advanced sequencing applications, said the collaboration would offer his firm the opportunity to "work closely with thought leaders in the field of pharmacogenomics", as well as better understand an emerging area of research.

"We are excited about combining our technologies and enzymology know-how with the Pharmacogenomics Centre’s knowledge of ADME/Tox genes," he added.

It is hoped the development of pharmacogenomics will lead to the creation of drugs tailor-made for the individual, according to the Montreal Heart Institute and Genome Quebec.