The Perlegen intellectual property includes gene variants on chromosome 9p21 linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. The licensing agreement also covers methods and systems that can be used for multi-locus diagnostics.
Under the terms of the agreement, Celera will pay an upfront payment and royalties on certain sales of testing products. Additional financial details were not disclosed.
Kathy Ordonez, CEO of Celera, said: “We believe access to these highly replicated markers, which complement our internal genetic discoveries in cardiovascular disease such as KIF6 and LPA, furthers Celera’s commitment to be a leading provider of genetic tests used routinely in personalizing disease management.
“These markers are expected to enhance our focus on cardiovascular disease while expanding our menu into diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We believe the additional pharmacogenomic aspects of these markers allow us the potential to personalize disease management that may further improve patient compliance with treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”