Gentris Corporation and Promega Corporation have announced an agreement to jointly pursue development of clinical pharmacogenomic products.

The purpose of the agreement is to combine the two companies' leading edge technologies integrated into a robotic liquid handling platform to produce innovative clinical pharmacogenomic products. Tests of this type will enable physicians to make decisions regarding appropriate prescription drugs and dosing for their patients. Selecting the right drug for patients will prevent many unexpected adverse reactions and ensure that treatment will be effective against the patient's disease.

"Promega's READIT Technology, and MagneSil Systems combined with Gentris technologies will bring a turnkey solution that clinical diagnostic labs need for implementing pharmacogenomic testing," said Michael P. Murphy, President and CEO of Gentris Corporation.

According to Angela Ryan, Marketing Manager, Molecular Diagnostics, Promega Corporation, "The READIT SNP Genotyping System enables Gentris to rapidly develop highly accurate genetic tests. The MagneSil Systems integrated with automation will provide clinical diagnostic labs a walk-away method for isolating DNA from blood."

"Together, Promega and Gentris are leading the way in developing exciting new pharmacogenomic services and products for the clinical research community," said William A. Linton, Chairman and CEO of Promega. "Both companies will benefit from the development of new products and the exciting new market for more personalized medical treatment."