Sequencing and Analysis of the Hydra Genome
Chapman, Kirkness et al., Nature
An international research collaboration reports their sequencing and analysis of the Hydra magnipapillata genome, and compare it to the genomes of several other organisms. "The Hydra genome has been shaped by bursts of transposable element expansion, horizontal gene transfer, trans-splicing, and simplification of gene structure and gene content that parallel simplification of the Hydra life cycle," the authors write. They team suggests that comparisons of the Hydra genome to the reported sequences of other animals have helped them to elucidate the evolution of several of the organism's characteristics.
NIH's Genetic Testing Registry to Launch in 2011, But Will Dx Firms, Labs Voluntarily Participate?
The NIH is hoping that its Genetic Testing Registry will serve as a resource for the public to learn about tests and locate laboratories that offer such tests, as well as facilitate data sharing among researchers. But since participation in the registry is voluntary, how will NIH convince test makers to participate?
March 18, 2010
AMA's Molecular Pathology Workgroup Quietly Working on New CPT Coding System for Molecular Dxs
The AMA has formed a molecular pathology workgroup to recommend updates to the CPT coding structure for molecular diagnostics. Although ideas for a potential new coding system for this subset of tests remain in flux, a new code structure is slated to take effect in 2012, according to industry observers.
March 17, 2010
The study found that hospitalization rates for heart patients taking warfarin dropped by approximately 30 percent when genetic information was available to doctors, but a reviewer noted that the study did not sufficiently account for the fact that physicians may have managed their genotyped patients more closely, leading to better outcomes.
March 17, 2010
FDA Issues Boxed Warning for CYP2C19-Linked Poor Metabolism of Plavix
The boxed warning for Plavix's label alerts doctors that genetic tests are available to establish patients' CYP2C19 status. However, the FDA leaves it up to physicians to decide whether to wait for genetic testing results or put patients on an alternative treatment.
March 17, 2010
Study Points to Role of ABCB1 Gene Alterations in Plavix-Treated Patients' Cardiovascular AEs
The study showed that alterations in the ABCB1 gene had no link to increased bleeding in patients treated with either Plavix or its competitor Effient, though patients treated with Plavix who were homozygous for a particular allele had an increased risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke.
March 17, 2010
Dako's HercepTest and HER2 FISH pharmDx, Pathway Genomics' Genetic Health Report
March 17, 2010
Leena Peltonen-Palotie, David Botstein, Francis Collins, Eric Lander, Timothy Barabe
March 17, 2010
Myriad Updates Investors on Companion Dx Deals, EU Expansion, and Capturing Asymptomatic Market
During Myriad's investor day last week, officials disclosed that the firm is working with pharmaceutical companies to develop companion diagnostics for PARP inhibitors and PTEN inhibitors.
March 10, 2010
Oncotype DX Study Underscores Challenges for Patients, Doctors in Interpreting Genomic Test Results
Around one-third of the women in the study said they comprehended "a moderate amount or less" of the discussion of their Oncotype DX test results with their physician; approximately 25 percent of participants reported that they felt "distressed" when receiving their test results.
March 10, 2010
Abbott, GSK Extend MAGE-A3 Companion Dx Collaboration into Skin Cancer
GSK is conducting a Phase III study for a MAGE-A3-targeting therapeutic for the adjuvant treatment of melanoma. To receive the drug in the study, participants' tumors must be shown to express MAGE-A3 via a molecular test that Abbott is developing.
March 10, 2010
Myriad Assures Investors of Strong Patent Position Despite ACLU Anti-Gene Patenting Lawsuit
According to CEO Peter Meldrum, Myriad’s strong IP position on the BRACAnalysis test and a large internal database of BRCA mutations ensure that "regardless of the outcome of this particular lawsuit, it will not have a material adverse effect on the company … or on the future revenues of our products."
March 10, 2010
The initiative, called the Association for Genomic Medicine, was created in January with a $600,000 grant from the Life Technologies Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Life Technologies.
March 10, 2010
AssureRx Updates GeneSightRx Panel with New Gene: CYP1A2
AssureRx has added a fifth gene, CYP1A2, to its GeneSightRx pharmacogenomic test to guide treatment decisions for psychiatric patients.
March 10, 2010
