deCODE genetics announced the signing of a pharmacogenomics agreement with Wyeth. As part of an observational study on the treatment of respiratory disease, deCODE will use its expertise in in vitro pharmacogenomics to generate gene expression data related to one of Wyeth's candidate drugs.

Work under the collaboration will be carried out by Encode, deCODE's wholly-owned pharmacogenomics and clinical trials subsidiary. For this study, Encode will isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients and generate gene expression profiles of cells through in vitro exposure to the candidate drug. Identifying gene expression patterns in relation to the compound could facilitate the selection of the most appropriate patient cohorts for clinical development. Additional details of the study and financial terms were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to be applying our expertise in in vitro pharmacogenomics to assist Wyeth in the development of new treatment for respiratory disease," said Dr. Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE. "Wyeth is itself a pioneer in the use of pharmacogenomics. Therefore this collaboration represents a major validation of the value of our technology in this field."