NEW YORK ─ The Norwegian Research Council has awarded NOK 16 million ($1.9 million) to Genetic Analysis for the development of a microbiome-based diagnostic test for the selection and treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, the test developer said on Tuesday.
The Oslo, Norway-based molecular diagnostic company said it will use the funds to develop an easy-to-use test that profiles gut microbiota to predict disease progression and suggest treatment regimes for patients with ulcerative colitis. Its GA-map platform is based on a multiplex approach for the simultaneous analysis of a large number of bacteria in one reaction and uses a software algorithm to provide results without a need for further bioinformatics, the firm said.
Genetic Analysis CEO Ronny Hermansen said in a statement that the grant from the Norwegian Research Council will support the firm's work to improve treatment outcomes, lower treatment costs, and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.
The firm said it will develop and validate the test in collaboration with R&D partners at Akershus University Hospital in Norway, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.