Kyushu University and Perlegen Sciences Identify Haplotypes in the Japanese Population
October 26 2005 - 4:30PM
Business Wire
Researchers at Kyushu University of Japan, in collaboration with
Perlegen Sciences, Inc., have identified common patterns of human
DNA sequence variation, or haplotypes, in the Japanese population.
By combining a unique set of DNA samples collected at the Medical
Institute of Bioregulation at Kyushu University with Perlegen's
high throughput, whole-genome analysis approach, based on next
generation Affymetrix GeneChip (R) technology, the collaborators
identified common haplotypes that can be used to conduct
comprehensive genetic research on human disease and variable
response to medicines. "Understanding the patterns of genetic
variation in the Japanese population will greatly enhance our
ability to identify genes associated with disease and drug
response," stated Dr. Kenshi Hayashi, Professor of the Research
Center for Genetic Information, Medical Institute of Bioregulation
at Kyushu University. "The unique approach of this study
complements the recently completed International HapMap project.
Both studies make critical contributions to enabling personalized
medicine in Japan." The collaboration between Kyushu University and
Perlegen Sciences was particularly effective in identifying
long-range haplotypes (over one million bases long). "With this
study, Dr. Hayashi and his colleagues at Kyushu University have
made an important contribution to medical research in Japan,"
stated David Cox, Chief Scientific Officer of Perlegen. "It will
enable researchers to identify the genetic factors that determine
why drugs work well for some patients, but not for others."
"Collaborating with the top researchers in Japan such as Dr.
Hayashi is a priority for Perlegen," stated Akira Usui, General
Manager of Perlegen Japan, KK. "We are committed to improving the
therapeutic treatments available to Japanese patients." Kyushu
University and Perlegen Sciences will report their findings in the
October 26 issue of Genome Research. About Kyushu University
Founded in 1903 as the Fukuoka Medical College, Kyushu University
is one of the leading universities in Japan, with over 16,000
students, over 2,000 faculty and over 6,000 researchers in a
variety of schools, institutes and hospitals. The Research Center
for Genetic Information, founded in 1993, is part of Kyushu
University's Medical Institute of Bioregulation. The center focuses
on developing DNA analytical technologies and investigating genetic
factors for hereditary diseases. About Perlegen Sciences Perlegen
Sciences, Inc. and Perlegen Sciences Japan, K.K. are working to
provide safe and effective medicines to the world. The companies
quickly and cost effectively analyzes millions of genetic
variations in DNA samples obtained from clinical trial
participants. This information is used to explain and predict the
efficacy and adverse effect profiles of prescription drugs.
Perlegen also applies this expertise to discovering genetic
variants associated with disease for potential new therapeutics and
diagnostics. For years, scientists and drug manufacturers have been
eager to comprehensively examine entire genomes; through Perlegen,
this is now possible. Perlegen is able to bring drugs to the market
that may otherwise have been discontinued in clinical development.
Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen Sciences was formed in
late 2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX). For
more information about the company and its technologies, visit
Perlegen's website at www.perlegen.com. Perlegen Sciences,
Perlegen, and the Perlegen logo are trademarks of Perlegen
Sciences, Inc.
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