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Pfizer and Perlegen Form New Genetics Research Collaboration to Analyze Patient DNA Samples

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 December 2005, 09:00 CST

Perlegen Sciences, Inc. announced today a four-year research collaboration with Pfizer Inc for whole genome and replication studies that may identify genes associated with major diseases and predict patient responses to certain medicines. Researchers from both companies will conduct whole genome studies involving DNA samples from clinical trials. Pfizer and Perlegen scientists will design the research and analyze the results. Perlegen will conduct the genotyping, "reading" of the DNA, in the individual samples, using Affymetrix (Nasdaq:AFFX) GeneChip(R) technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Perlegen and Pfizer will share in certain intellectual property rights resulting from the collaboration. Pfizer will provide research payments to Perlegen.

Pfizer and Perlegen scientists entered their first collaboration in December of 2002, conducting genetic research on thousands of DNA samples in areas such as metabolic syndrome and drug response in patients with Major Depression Disorder. In November 2004, they published their initial research findings on the genetics of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in Human Genomics.

"We are excited to continue our collaboration with the outstanding scientific team at Pfizer Inc," said Paul J. Cusenza, Senior Vice President of Perlegen Sciences. "We hope the results of our genetic research together will lead to improved health care for patients."

"It is a pleasure to be doing such significant collaborative genetic research with the scientific team at Pfizer," said David R. Cox, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Perlegen Sciences. "By combining the scientific strengths of Perlegen and Pfizer, we greatly improve the prospect of positively impacting a number of presently unmet medical needs."

About Perlegen Sciences

Perlegen Sciences, Inc. 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 variations 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 might otherwise have been discontinued in clinical development.

Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen was formed in late 2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc. 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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