Novartis announces release of joint-analysis on diabetes genes

Novartis, together with the Broad Institute and Lund University, has announced the release of a genome-wide analysis of genes associated with type two diabetes and similar metabolic disorders.

The results of this analysis, the work of public-private partnership the Diabetes Genetics Initiative (DGI), are being made publicly available online for free to scientists worldwide.

DGI was formed in 2004, bringing together expertise in a number of scientific and statistical areas aiming to unravel the genetic causes of type two diabetes.

It is thought that this work will enable scientists to expand their knowledge regarding the genetic makeup of diabetes and facilitate the development of novel therapies for the disease.

Mark Fishman, president of the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, said: “These discoveries are but a first step.

“To translate this study’s provocative identification of diabetes-related genes into the invention of new medicines will require a global effort.”

He added that he hoped many groups would be involved in this effort, while expressing the wish for others to use this method of partnership between physicians and scientists across academia and business while making data freely available for use by all.

Last December, Novarits announced the publication of new evidence reinforcing the efficacy and safety of Galvus as an orally-administered once-daily treatment for type two diabetes.