Under this collaboration, Celera Diagnostics and Merck will combine their research efforts in the genetics of this devastating brain disease to genetically validate and prioritize a series of genes targeted for drug development.
This collaboration follows the recent completion of the work between the two companies that was started in July 2004 pertaining to the identification of novel targets for drug discovery and diagnostic markers related to this disease.
Under the terms of the extended agreement, Celera will genotype selected gene-based mutations, or SNPs, in four independent case-control sample collections. Genotyping will include proprietary SNPs from the Applera-funded Applera Genome Initiative.
The total number of individuals included in this study is estimated to be approximately 2,800, making it one of the largest discovery studies of its kind in understanding the disease.
“We’re pleased to extend our collaboration which combines our strengths in analyzing and understanding genetic variation associated with multiple common diseases with Merck’s extensive knowledge of the biology underlying neurodegenerative diseases and its global leadership in the development of innovative therapeutics,” said Dr Thomas White, chief scientific officer at Celera Diagnostics. “This target validation program is one example of the value we’re able to provide our therapeutic partners worldwide.”