NEW YORK, June 7-Orchid BioSciences said today that it had obtained a license from LGC Limited for a genetic assay for cytochrome P450 2D6.
The license, which is nonexclusive, will allow Orchid to market genetic testing services for polymorphisms of this gene, which influences the metabolism of many prescription drugs.
Financial details of the arrangement were not disclosed.
According to Orchid, between five and 10 percent of the population have polymorphisms that reduce the activity of the cytochrome P450 2D6 enzyme, lowering their ability to metabolize and eliminate drugs and increasing their risk of side effects.
The company plans to offer the assay in conjunction with a panel of pharmacogenomic tests.
LGC, a U.K. diagnostic service firm, has exclusive worldwide rights to the genetic test that investigates these polymorphisms, and markets a cytochrome P450 2D6 test in the U.K.