NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Clinical Data today said that it has entered into a research collaboration with Deutsches Herzzentrum (DHZ), a Munich, Germany-based heart hospital, to evaluate the predictive value of genetic markers for response to clopidogrel (Plavix).
The Newton, Mass.-based firm said that researchers from its PGx Health division will work with scientists from DHZ, which is affiliated with the Technical University of Munich, to conduct a large retrospective case/control study to validate genetic variants associated with response to the antiplatelet agent, which is marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sanofi Aventis.
Clinical Data said that several known genetic variants and its own proprietary markers will be evaluated during the study. The partners also will seek to identify new genetic predictors of clopidogrel response. They expect to obtain preliminary data from the studies in 2010.
"While the role of CYP2C19 in poor response to clopidogrel is widely known, it is clear that this gene does not account for all the variability in response," Marcia Lewis, VP of biomarker development at PGxHealth, said in a statement. "[T]his collaboration will expand our knowledge, as well as support development of a test that is highly predictive of individual response to clopidogrel."