NEW YORK (GenomeWeb news) – The National Center for Genome Resources will use Febit's DNA-capture technology in a research project on the genetics of childhood illnesses it is conducting with the Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, the company said Monday.
NCGR will use Febit's Hybselect, which is used with next-generation sequencing and protein or non-coding transcriptome profiling, to re-sequence the exons of genes that are involved in over 400 childhood diseases. The goal is to develop genetic tests to detect carrier status for recessive genetic diseases for those who are considering having children.
Under the agreement, Febit will provide its technology, training, and support to NCGR. Financial terms of the agreement were not released.
BBDF is seeking to find a cure for Batten disease, which is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that can be fatal in children, and it is seeking to develop a genetic test for that and a number of other rare genetic disorders.