SANTA CLARA--Affymetrix and Oncormed announced they will codevelop a gene expression database as a tool to enable the use of gene expression data in drug development by third party subscribers. The new agreement further leverages Oncormed's strength in gene characterization and pharmacogenomics with Affymetrix's GeneChip expression analysis tools. The collaboration is the third in a series of agreements between the companies, representing a relationship that began with the development and validation of a GeneChip assay for identifying mutations in the p53 gene.
Under the new agreement, Oncormed and Affymetrix will work together to build a high resolution gene expression database. The initial phase will focus on profiling selected genes against tissues from more than a dozen normal and diseased organ systems believed to be highly relevant to the drug development process. Affymetrix will design and supply custom and standard expression monitoring GeneChip probe arrays and related technology to facilitate the analysis of tissue samples. Oncormed will contribute tissue samples and apply its expertise in tissue pathology and molecular genetics to generate high-resolution gene expression data using GeneChip technology. Together the two companies will build the gene expression database.