Variagenics launches NuCleave genotyping and haplotyping platform
Places first system at Covance
Pharmacogenomics specialist Variagenics Inc. (Cambridge, MA) has launched its NuCleave genotyping and haplotyping platform and placed its first system at Covance Central Laboratories Services. NuCleave, which supports clinical-grade DNA analysis of patient samples, will help pharmaceutical companies correlate genetic variances with drug response. The hope for this product—as well as for pharmacogenomics—is to speed drug and diagnostic products through the clinical trials by providing individualized patient-response data.
Placing the NuCleave system triggered a milestone payment from Waters Corp., Variagenics' strategic partner for marketing and selling NuCleave consumable products. NuCleave relies on proprietary Variagenics gene analysis techniques, as well as instrument contributions from Waters, Bruker Daltonics, and The Hamilton Co.
Specifically, NuCleave incorporates Bruker's BiFlex III Maldi-TOF mass spectrometer, Hamilton's Microlab MPH-96, a 96-head robot for sample handling, and proprietary software for genotyping, processing, and sample management software. Waters manufactures and supplies NuCleave reagent kits.
NuCleave automates detection and analysis of genetic variances, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the most common type of genetic variation, through Variagenics' proprietary chemical cleavage genotyping/haplotyping technology. NuCleave combines mass spectrometry, robotics, DNA desalting, plus processing and sample management software that automates the tracking and assignment of genotypes to individual samples.
"In contrast with platforms that address only the high throughput 'industrial genomics' needs of early drug research, NuCleave also addresses the needs of clinical research laboratories involved in late-stage drug development," said Taylor Crouch, Variagenics' CEO. "We have created this technology to aid clinical developers in their efforts to examine small numbers of experimental genetic markers in controlled clinical trials. These trials will need to incorporate accurate genotype and haplotype assays in a way that is flexible and cost effective when changing assays from trial to trial."
For more information: Variagenics, 60 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139-1548. Tel: 617-588-5300. Fax: 617-588-5399.
With contribution by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Drug Discovery Online and Pharmaceutical Online
Email: adepalma@vertical.net