Using Affymetrix GeneChip technology including the GeneChip Human Mapping 500K Array Set, Perlegen scientists will assay up to 675,000 unique genetic variations (also called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) in DNA samples provided by Merck.
Perlegen will utilize its high capacity SNP genotyping capability to rapidly generate extremely dense DNA variation data that can be integrated with other large datasets Merck has generated by molecular profiling clinically important tissue samples internally. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to work with Merck scientists in identifying DNA variations that may underlie biological mechanisms important to their drug discovery efforts,” said Brad Margus, CEO of Perlegen. “It was an honor to have been selected by Merck for this important project.”