Perlegen Sciences Teams with Pfizer to Focus on Drugs for Major Depression
Thursday January 8, 8:05 am ET
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2004--Perlegen Sciences, Inc., announced today that it has entered into a collaboration with Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE - News) to analyze drug response in patients with Major Depression Disorder. Perlegen will use its technology to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in clinical samples to identify genetic markers associated with drug response. Perlegen and Pfizer will share in the therapeutic and diagnostic rights resulting from this collaboration. Pfizer will provide research funding support to Perlegen, in addition to undisclosed milestone payments and licensing terms.
The two companies will conduct a study of drug response in patients with Major Depression Disorder. The researchers plan to conduct a high resolution, genome-wide search for clinically valuable, predictive genetic markers for drug response related biological pathways. Identification of the genetic basis of drug response could lead to better patient management and the development of more effective antidepressants.
"This research will provide a powerful approach for gaining insight into variable drug response in patients with major depression," said David Cox, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Perlegen Sciences. "Such knowledge should result in more effective treatment of this disorder."
"This represents yet another great example of the collaborative partnership between scientists at Pfizer and Perlegen," said Paul Cusenza, Vice President of Alliance Management for Perlegen Sciences. "We are happy to be continuing our efforts with Pfizer to explore pharmacogenomics solutions and improve human health," added Brad Margus, CEO of Perlegen Sciences.
About Perlegen Sciences
Perlegen Sciences, Inc. is working to provide safe and effective medicines to the world. The company quickly and cost effectively analyzes more than one million genetic variations in clinical trial participants, and compares the frequency of the variations with clinical information 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, their moment has come. Perlegen is able to bring drugs to the market whose clinical development would have been otherwise discontinued.
Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen was formed in late 2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX - News). 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:
Perlegen Sciences, Inc.
Paul Cusenza, 650-625-4500
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