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Kyushu University and Perlegen Sciences Identify Haplotypes in the Japanese Population

Posted on: Wednesday, 26 October 2005, 18:00 CDT

Researchers at Kyushu University of Japan, in collaboration with Perlegen Sciences, Inc., have identified common patterns of human DNA sequence variation, or haplotypes, in the Japanese population. By combining a unique set of DNA samples collected at the Medical Institute of Bioregulation at Kyushu University with Perlegen's high throughput, whole-genome analysis approach, based on next generation Affymetrix GeneChip (R) technology, the collaborators identified common haplotypes that can be used to conduct comprehensive genetic research on human disease and variable response to medicines.

"Understanding the patterns of genetic variation in the Japanese population will greatly enhance our ability to identify genes associated with disease and drug response," stated Dr. Kenshi Hayashi, Professor of the Research Center for Genetic Information, Medical Institute of Bioregulation at Kyushu University. "The unique approach of this study complements the recently completed International HapMap project. Both studies make critical contributions to enabling personalized medicine in Japan."

The collaboration between Kyushu University and Perlegen Sciences was particularly effective in identifying long-range haplotypes (over one million bases long). "With this study, Dr. Hayashi and his colleagues at Kyushu University have made an important contribution to medical research in Japan," stated David Cox, Chief Scientific Officer of Perlegen. "It will enable researchers to identify the genetic factors that determine why drugs work well for some patients, but not for others."

"Collaborating with the top researchers in Japan such as Dr. Hayashi is a priority for Perlegen," stated Akira Usui, General Manager of Perlegen Japan, KK. "We are committed to improving the therapeutic treatments available to Japanese patients."

Kyushu University and Perlegen Sciences will report their findings in the October 26 issue of Genome Research.

About Kyushu University

Founded in 1903 as the Fukuoka Medical College, Kyushu University is one of the leading universities in Japan, with over 16,000 students, over 2,000 faculty and over 6,000 researchers in a variety of schools, institutes and hospitals. The Research Center for Genetic Information, founded in 1993, is part of Kyushu University's Medical Institute of Bioregulation. The center focuses on developing DNA analytical technologies and investigating genetic factors for hereditary diseases.

About Perlegen Sciences

Perlegen Sciences, Inc. and Perlegen Sciences Japan, K.K. are working to provide safe and effective medicines to the world. The companies 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 that may otherwise have been discontinued in clinical development.

Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen Sciences 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.

Source: Business Wire

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