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Genizon BioSciences

Genizon Biosciences Announces Major Milestone in Identifying Genes Involved in Psoriasis

Montreal, Canada (ots/PRNewswire)

Genizon BioSciences today
announced the confirmation of a previously  reported disease-gene
location, PSORS1, as well as the identification of  more than 10 new
regions strongly associated with psoriasis, each  containing only a
limited number of genes. The company will be discussing  with
potential pharmaceutical partners how these discoveries can translate
into new therapeutics and diagnostics, leading to a Personalized
Medicine  approach to this disease, an approach advocated by the US
FDA.
These discoveries were achieved through completion of a linkage
disequilibrium-based genome-wide scan (LD-GWS) of psoriasis in the
Quebec Founder Population (QFP) using a Quebec LD (genetic sharing)
map recently developed by Genizon.
Following closely behind Crohn's disease, this is the second
successful set of discoveries in the identification of
disease-genes/targets for common diseases resulting from a
collaboration between Genizon and Perlegen Sciences Inc.
This is the first genome-wide association study conducted to date
using a genome-wide linkage disequilibrium map tailored to a specific
population. Genizon's proprietary Quebec LD Map consists of
approximately 80,700 SNP markers whose spacing reflects the extent of
genetic sharing in the Quebec population. Genome wide association
studies using the Quebec population and the Quebec LD Map are highly
cost effective because far fewer SNPs are required than in a general
population. This approach also provides greater sensitivity due to
the high genetic homogeneity of the QFP and the greater distances
over which genetic sharing extends in this population.
Dr. John Hooper, President and CEO of Genizon BioSciences
noted:
"These discoveries in our second landmark study, following the
unprecedented discoveries in our first study in Crohn's Disease,
confirm our belief that an LD-GWS using Quebec Founder Population DNA
samples is one of the most powerful approaches to disease-gene/target
discovery for common diseases. We are now poised to apply the LD-GWS
approach to numerous additional diseases. In collaboration with
pharmaceutical partners, we are well positioned to make major
contributions to the development of novel therapeutics and
diagnostics for many of the world's most important common diseases."
Over 34,000 DNA samples have currently been collected for
Genizon's disease-gene discovery programs in collaboration with
Quebec families and approximately 1,000 Quebec clinical
investigators, without whom this research would not have been
possible.
Psoriasis is a serious, chronic skin disorder that affects
approximately 2% of the world's population, with approximately 80
million people affected world-wide.
About Genizon BioSciences Inc.
Genizon BioSciences (www.genizon.com) is a biotechnology company
dedicated to the discovery of GeneMaps and biomarkers associated with
the root cause of common diseases and drug response. GeneMaps are
groups of disease genes that define the key biochemical pathways for
common diseases. Through the discovery of GeneMaps, Genizon and its
pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners will accelerate the
identification of new and better therapeutic targets, validation of
these targets, and downstream development of innovative new
therapeutics and diagnostics. Additionally, Genizon's
pharmacogenomics capability to stratify patient populations and
evaluate drug response further accelerates the clinical development
of drug candidates. Genizon has initiated more than 20 GeneMap
discovery programs in several major therapeutic areas including
autoimmune, inflammation, metabolic, CNS, respiratory,
gastrointestinal, ophthalmology, dermatology, and women's health.
In recognition of the contribution to Genizon's research made by
the population of Quebec, the company has committed to donate three
per cent of its net profits to a foundation for the benefit of
Quebecers.
About Perlegen Sciences Inc.
Perlegen Sciences, Inc. (www.perlegen.com) is working to provide
safe and effective medicines to the world. The company quickly and
cost effectively analyzes millions of genetic variations in DNA
samples obtained from clinical trial participants. This information
is used to explain and predict the efficacy and adverse effect
profiles of prescription drugs. Perlegen also applies this expertise
to discovering genetic variants associated with disease for potential
new therapeutics and diagnostics. For years, scientists and drug
manufacturers have been eager to comprehensively examine entire
genomes; through Perlegen, this is now possible. Perlegen is able to
bring drugs to the market wherein clinical development could have
been otherwise discontinued.
Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen was formed in late
2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX). For more
information about the company and its technologies, visit Perlegen's
website at www.perlegen.com. Perlegen Sciences, Perlegen, and the
Perlegen logo are trademarks of Perlegen Sciences, Inc.

Contact:

Contacts: Dr. Bill Cheliak, Vice President, Business Development,
Genizon BioSciences, +1-613-261-9813, bill.cheliak@genizon.com;
Robert Middlebrook, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Perlegen
Sciences, Inc., +1-650-625-4500, rmiddlebrook@perlegen.com

Plus de actualités: Genizon BioSciences
Plus de actualités: Genizon BioSciences
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