Affymetrix Signs First Translational Medicine Agreement in China
Monday September 18, 8:00 am ET
Zhejiang University to Use GeneChip(R) Microarray Technology to Better Detect, Classify, Manage and Treat Cancer and Infectious Diseases
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2006--Affymetrix Inc. (Nasdaq:AFFX - News) and Zhejiang California Nanosystem Institute (ZCNI) at Zhejiang University announced today that they have entered into a collaboration to develop clinical applications using GeneChip® technology. This is Affymetrix' first translational medicine collaboration in China. Under terms of the agreement, ZCNI researchers will use Affymetrix GeneChip microarray technology for translational medicine research projects, beginning with cancer, newborn genetic diseases and infectious diseases.
In addition, the two organizations are establishing a joint laboratory that will support clinical researchers at Zhejiang University and its six affiliated hospitals. The researchers will use Affymetrix GeneChip technology to analyze genomic information across large patient samples. The data will enable them to more rapidly discover RNA and DNA patterns that can better classify, manage and treat clinically important diseases.
"We are excited about using the Affymetrix GeneChip technology to explore the relationship between genes and human health and to develop clinical applications to improve healthcare in China," said Professor Jiaan Cheng, director of ZCNI and former vice president of Research at Zhejiang University. "This collaboration will enable us to develop a more personalized form of medicine, which should help improve healthcare in China and around the world."
"As an alumnus and a former faculty member of this distinguished University, I am very impressed by the cutting-edge research that is taking place at the ZCNI and the School of Medicine," said Wei Zhou, Ph.D. vice president, Intellectual Property and Advanced Technology and China Country Manager at Affymetrix. "With this translational medicine strategic partnership and the joint laboratory, we hope to accelerate clinical research and bring better healthcare to patients."
Affymetrix collaborates with academic institutions, advocacy groups and the pharmaceutical and diagnostics community through its Translational Medicine Program to develop molecular signatures for improving patient care. Affymetrix GeneChip microarray technology helps researchers to diagnose and tailor treatments for individual patients by identifying and measuring the genetic information associated with complex diseases. The Translational Medicine Program complements the Powered by Affymetrix(TM) program, which enables companies to license GeneChip technology to create innovative, custom-designed microarray products based on signatures such as those of our translational medicine partners. This technology is already being used in many applications, including diagnostics, forensics, animal, industrial and food testing.
About Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University is one of the top universities in China. The main campus is located near picturesque West Lake, a famous tourist location. Zhejiang University officially combined with Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agriculture University and Zhejiang Medical University (all located in the city of Hangzhou) in the summer of 1998. The combined university is called Zhejiang University, which is one of the largest in China. Presently, 41,000 students attend the university, including more than 24,000 undergraduates, 11,000 postgraduates working for master's degrees and 6,000 Ph.D. candidates. More information about Zhejiang University can be found at zju.edu.cn.
About Zhejiang California Nanosystem Institute (ZCNI)
Zhejiang California International Nanosystem Institute (ZCNI) is a research and technology innovation platform in China established on June, 2005. It is a joint effort among Zhejiang Provincial Government, Zhejiang University (ZJU), California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI). The mission of the Institute is to accelerate the application of nanotechnology in systems biology, medicine, material, information technology, chemistry etc. ZCNI strives to become the catalyst of the integration of academics and industry, the accelerator of the development of Zhejiang science and technology and the new engine of the evolution of Zhejiang society and economy. |
