Affymetrix Partners With RPGEH, UCSF

Affymetrix has entered into an agreement with Kaiser Permanente Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) to support genome-wide analyses of DNA samples from 100,000 Kaiser Permanente members.

According to the company the research program is designed to create a new resource for studying disease, health, and aging, scientists will use the newly launched Axiom Genotyping Solution. The solution consists of Axiom Array Plates, complete Axiom Reagent Kits, an automated target preparation station developed jointly by Affymetrix and Beckman Coulter, plus the GeneTitan Multi-Channel Instrument, the company said.

The company has claimed that its new solution will deliver high-throughput, automated technology and allows researchers to find novel and common genetic variations associated with complex disease.

The company has said that the resources created by the new solution will give researchers a new platform for studying genetic and environmental influences over time on a wide variety of health conditions, across diverse populations. Reportedly, the program is being funded by a $24.8m grant from the NIH.

Kevin King, president and CEO of Affymetrix, said: “The NIH grant gives Kaiser Permanente and UCSF an opportunity to utilize a new model for studying human genetics. We greatly value the relationship we have built with the program leaders over the last two years, and we are excited that our technology will be used to help researchers study effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve healthcare and quality of life.”