Lab21 to offer CES-1 analysis

Lab21 is to begin offering analysis of the human carboxylesterase-1 (CES-1) gene worldwide after agreeing a new licensing deal.

The science company has secured an exclusive global licence from the Medical University of South Carolina's Foundation for Research Development for technology which allows the detection and analysis of genetic variants of CES-1.

This gene can have significant effects on the way in which the body metabolises certain treatments, meaning it can be a vital genetic tool in predicting patient responses to drugs.

Lab21 will be offering CES-1 analysis kits to pathology labs worldwide via its UK service laboratory in Cambridge, as well as its Greenville, South Carolina facility.

Dr Berwyn Clarke, chief scientific officer, said: "The introduction of CES-1 analysis adds another component to the growing arsenal of pharmacogenetic tests which can assist in optimised personalised medicine."

Earlier this year, Lab21 entered into an alliance with Virco BVBA to provide HIV-1 genotyping services throughout the UK and Ireland.