Sirius Genomics and Golden Helix Collaborate on Companion Diagnostic Development
By Sirius Genomics Inc., PRNEMonday, October 11, 2010
VANCOUVER and BOZEMAN, Montana, October 12, 2010 - Sirius Genomics, a developer of companion diagnostics, and Golden Helix,
a global leader in genetic analysis solutions, announced today a
collaboration under which Golden Helix will apply its expertise and
technologies in SNP and copy number variant analysis and predictive modeling
to advance development of Sirius' diagnostic pipeline.
Under this agreement, Sirius and Golden Helix are working together to
develop a diagnostic to identify individuals who respond favorably to
Vasopressin and similar compounds used in the treatment of septic shock and
related conditions.
Septic shock occurs when sepsis (a severe infection spread via the
bloodstream, characterized by a whole-body inflammatory state) leads to
life-threatening low blood pressure. According to the US CDC, septic shock is
the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, and the number one
cause of deaths in intensive care units. Though the standard of care for
addressing septic shock is intravenous norepinephrine, the mortality rate
from septic shock remains approximately 50%.
"Golden Helix is an ideal partner for Sirius Genomics' pipeline
development, providing us with access to significant expertise in GWAS
analysis and bioinformatics capabilities. The combination of our funding from
the National Research Council of Canada and this partnership with Golden
Helix enables us to focus our strengths in discovery and development on our
pipeline of companion diagnostic programs, and focus on improving outcomes in
critical care medicine," stated Chris Wagner, president and CEO of Sirius
Genomics.
"Advances in genomic technologies are making personalized medicine a
reality for many conditions," said Dr. Christophe Lambert, president and CEO
of Golden Helix. "However, developing the molecular diagnostics that are
fundamental to personalized medicine requires unique capabilities. Our
partnership with Sirius brings those capabilities together, and we are
excited about what will come of it."
About Sirius Genomics
Sirius Genomics develops companion diagnostics (CDx) that are closely
tied to therapeutic decisions, leading to better patient outcomes through
personalized medicine. Sirius generates value by improving the safety and
effectiveness of pharmaceutical compounds. The Company correlates patient
genetics with clinical outcomes, leading to proprietary and commercially
viable CDx products that enable better drug treatment. The Company's first
product is a genetic predictor of response to treatment for sepsis, a severe
blood infection. Learn more at www.siriusgenomics.com.
About Golden Helix
Golden Helix is a leading bioinformatics organization, specializing in
SNP and copy number analysis, genetic association software, and analytic
services. Our innovative technologies empower scientists to determine the
genetic causes of disease, transform drug discovery, develop genetic
diagnostics, and advance the quest for personalized medicine. Used by
hundreds of researchers at the world's top pharmaceutical, biotech, and
academic research organizations, Golden Helix products have been cited in
over 300 peer-reviewed publications. For more information on Golden Helix,
visit www.goldenhelix.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on
historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or
developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on such forward-looking statements.
For further information: Chris Wagner, President and CEO, Sirius
Genomics, +1-604-484-7195; Andy Ferrin, EVP, Business Development, Golden
Helix, +1-406-585-8137
For further information: Chris Wagner, President and CEO, Sirius Genomics, +1-604-484-7195; Andy Ferrin, EVP, Business Development, Golden Helix, +1-406-585-8137
Tags: British columbia, Montana, October 12, Sirius Genomics Inc., Vancouver And Bozeman