NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Second Genome today announced it has entered into a research alliance with the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) Microbiome Institute at University College Cork (UCC) in Ireland.
The partners said they will develop therapies to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on the role of the microbiome. To do so, they will analyze data from patients to find new opportunities for treatment. Second Genome has developed a drug discovery platform that integrates microbiome and host biology, the firm said.
"Partnering with the APC Microbiome Institute at UCC unites their clinical and microbiome expertise with our ability to effectively translate microbiome science into novel therapies," Second Genome CEO Peter DiLaura, said in a statement.
The collaboration could result in new treatment approaches for patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Fergus Shanahan, director of the APC Microbiome Insitute, said.
The APC Microbiome Institute is a partnership between UCC and Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority in Ireland.
In October 2014 Second Genome partnered with the Mayo Clinic to support therapeutic development for several diseases, including IBD.