Perlegen Sciences, Inc., announced that it has entered into collaboration with Pfizer Inc to conduct genetic research to better understand metabolic syndrome. Perlegen will use its technology to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in patient samples collected by Perlegen to discover genetic markers associated with metabolic syndrome. Perlegen and Pfizer will share in the therapeutic and diagnostic rights resulting from this collaboration. Pfizer will provide research funding support to Perlegen, in addition to undisclosed milestone payments and licensing terms.
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of symptoms that dramatically increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, disorders that represent the dominant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. On a scale not previously feasible, the researchers plan to conduct detailed genome-wide searches in thousands of patient samples for clinically valuable, predictive genetic markers and for disease-related biological pathways that may lead to the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics.
“This study will provide us with greater insights into the genetics of metabolic syndrome and its characteristics of insulin resistance, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, central obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL, high LDL, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes,” stated Brad Margus, CEO of Perlegen Sciences. “It is our hope that this research will provide valuable insight into metabolic syndrome as well as provide the opportunity for better treatment of patients across the world.”
“Building on our early collaboration results recently published at the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting, we are excited to establish a new collaboration with Pfizer,” said Paul Cusenza, vice president of Alliance Management for Perlegen Sciences. David Cox, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer of Perlegen Sciences added, “It is exciting to be doing research on this unprecedented scale, utilizing the recent advancements in human genetics to gain better understanding of this major health problem.”
Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen was formed in late 2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc.