New Pharmacogenomic Approach: 454 Life Science and Perlegen to Collaborate in Drug Response Sequencing Study

454 Life Sciences, a Roche company, and Perlegen Sciences, Inc., today announced a collaboration to conduct large scale genetic re-sequencing in hundreds of DNA samples collected by Perlegen from humans with specific responses to a widely prescribed class of drug. The goal of the collaboration will be to determine whether sufficient genetic variation can be identified and validated to create a clinical test that will predict how people might respond to this class of medicines.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Perlegen and 454 will each re-sequence select portions of the genome within each sample, using 454 Sequencing™ technology and DNA amplified with Perlegen’s proprietary sample preparation and amplification technologies. The parties’ data analysis teams will jointly study the combined results to determine how significant a role variation in genetic sequence plays in patient response to this drug class.

“We are pleased to be working with 454 in this landmark pharmacogenomic study that combines 454’s exceptional next generation sequencing technology with Perlegen’s expertise in defining genetic variation on a carefully selected sample set,” commented Bryan Walser, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Perlegen Sciences. “This study holds the promise to improve therapeutic outcomes for a vast number of patients.”

“454 Sequencing, with long, highly-accurate reads, is ideally suited for a project of this scale and importance,” commented Christopher McLeod, President and CEO of 454. “We look forward to partnering with Perlegen in the quest to solve this and other critically important medical problems.”

454 Life Sciences develops and commercializes the innovative Genome Sequencer™ system for ultra-high-throughput DNA sequencing. Specific applications include de novo sequencing and re-sequencing of whole genomes, metagenomics, RNA analysis, and targeted sequencing of DNA regions of interest. The hallmarks of 454 Sequencing™ are its simple, unbiased sample preparation and long, highly accurate sequence reads, including paired reads. 454 Sequencing technology has enabled many peer-reviewed studies in diverse research fields such as: cancer research, infectious diseases research, drug discovery, marine biology, anthropology, paleontology, and many more. For additional information, please visit the article webpage.