NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Affymetrix today announced a contract with UK Biobank to genotype 500,000 DNA samples as part of a study of complex diseases.
The DNA samples are donated by UK residents as part of a prospective epidemiological study. Affy will use its Axiom Genotyping Solution to generate billions of high-quality genotypes to provide UK Biobank and researchers elsewhere insights into the genetic factors behind human diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The goal is to develop better methods of preventing, diagnosing, and treating such ailments with the information provided by Affy.
"Earlier this year we outlined our strategy to broaden our reach into the translational medicine, molecular diagnostics, and applied markets as part of our long-term transformation plan," Affymetrix President and CEO Frank Witney said in a statement. "This partnership reflects our efforts to strengthen our position in the growing translational medicine market and our commitment to work with visionary organizations such as the UK Biobank to produce the next generation of biological information that will improve healthcare."
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Affy expects to recognize revenues from the contract in the latter part of 2013 and does not believe revenues will have a material impact this year. The majority of revenues are expected to be recognized in 2014, it said.