Family-Based Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Candidates for Mendelian Disease
Roach, Glusman et al., Science
Researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology and Complete Genomics have identified candidate disease-causing genes for Miller syndrome and ciliary dyskinesia, both Mendelian disorders. They sequenced the genomes of a family of four, allowing them to determine recombination sites with precision (at 99.999 percent accuracy) and identify rare single-nucleotide polymorphisms. "Our results demonstrate the unique value of complete genome sequencing in families," the authors write.
Generics on Their Mind
June 25, 2009
Sanofi-Aventis will be expanding into generics, says the Wall Street Journal, while cutting its research and development. The generic group will be reshuffled to focus on emerging markets where drug sales are on the rise. The Health Blog adds that Sanofi recently bought two Latin American generic-drug companies as well as a Czech one. The Health Blog also notes that Johnson & Johnson is contemplating selling generics outside the US, Pfizer has a deal with Aurobindo Pharma and Claris Lifesciences to market generics in emerging markets, and that AstraZeneca, Merck, and Novartis are also dipping their toes into generics.
On a related note, Japan has approved its first generic biotech drug, Somatropin. This Novartis drug treats growth hormone deficiency in children or associated with Turner's syndrome or chronic renal insufficiency.
