NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Affymetrix and UK-based XRGenomics are collaborating on the development of new diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative diseases, the companies said today.
Financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
XRGenomics has used Affymetrix's GeneTitan microarray technology to develop gene expression signatures and find biomarkers for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
The firm plans to use the technology to optimize its RNA signatures in large clinical trials involving thousands of patients with cognitive impairment.
"Our GeneChip U133 Plus 2.0 array used by XRGenomics, particularly in its high-throughput automated format, continues to serve as a proven platform for clinical and translational researchers who need to analyze the expression profile of large clinical cohorts with the accuracy, reproducibility, speed, and cost effectiveness required to successfully develop complex RNA-based tests for clinical utility," Affymetrix Expression Business Unit VP Dan St. Louis said in a statement.
XRGenomics CSO Jamie Timmons added that the platform is "extremely well suited to meet the technical demands of large scale clinical trials." The firm said it wants its biological age signature to be available as a stratification tool for dementia research by 2017.
XRGenomics is developing diagnostics for neurodegenerative and other age-associated diseases, such as diabetes.
The deal is the latest partnership for Affymetrix, which signed a collaboration with direct-to-consumer genetic testing firm Athletigen last week.