deCODE genetics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have signed an agreement under which deCODE will gather and analyze pharmacogenomic data as part of clinical trials its subsidiary Encode conducts on Vertex developmental compounds. The first project under the agreement is a phase IIa clinical trial for Vertex's VX-148 treatment for psoriasis. Enrollment for the trial is underway.

Under the agreement, clinical trial activities and pharmacogenomic analyses will be carried out by Encode. deCODE's pharmacogenomics capabilities will enable Vertex to gain an understanding, in conjunction with clinical trial results, of genetic factors affecting the responses of individuals to treatment. This information may be useful in designing subsequent clinical strategies and pharmacogenomic tests. Based upon the results of work under this agreement, the companies may extend their collaboration to the development and commercialization of pharmacogenomic tests. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"This agreement is a validation of the quality of our services in this important and growing part of our business," said Dr. Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE. "We will be providing Vertex an integrated service that includes the gathering and analysis of pharmacogenomic data in parallel with clinical trial results. This will enable Vertex to obtain, according to their own requirements, genetic analyses of clinical response to Vertex compounds in relation to a wide range of criteria. We believe this is a potentially valuable capability for bringing a new compound to market successfully and efficiently."

"We look forward to working with deCODE in the clinical development of VX-148," stated John J. Alam, Senior Vice President of Drug Evaluation and Approval. "We hope that this study will be the first step in an ongoing collaboration with deCODE, and that pharmacogenomic data generated in this study may serve as a useful guide to the design of future clinical trials of VX-148 and to similar, integrated studies of other Vertex investigational compounds."