Almac Diagnostics has developed unique capabilities to work with FFPE that allow researchers to use the samples in qPCR and microarray SNP genotyping and gene expression studies. Previously, such genetic analyses were not routinely possible in clinical trials due to degradation of the tissue samples during fixation and storage. This service is now available from Almac’s two facilities in Europe and the US.
Most clinical material is stored as FFPE tissue blocks, which, in the past, rendered the material unsuitable for genetic analysis. Almac has developed a proprietary process that now makes it possible to unlock the genetic information stored within these samples. The newly validated process enables qPCR and microarray SNP genotyping from FFPE samples. This process will be used in the Biogen Idec clinical trial.
Professor Paul Harkin, President and MD, Almac Diagnostics said: “Our validated processes have led to a huge shift in conventional thinking in how we handle the genetic information trapped in the nearly 400 million FFPE samples worldwide. Our approach means that we can now access a wide range of genetic material for analysis now and in the future. Harnessing and accessing the genetic information in clinical samples will change the way pharmaceutical and biotech companies examine results from their clinical trials. These developments will enable researchers to make significant advances towards personalised medicine.”
Julie Ranuio-Kelley, Senior Associate Scientist at Biogen Idec said: “This newly validated approach means that we can now access the full genetic information contained in our clinical trial samples. This will allow us to uncover biomarkers that will help us discover additional drug candidates and identify specific patient populations that will benefit from a particular treatment.”
Contact: Michael Sloan Matt Nelson T: + 44 (0)28 3833 7575 T: + 1 415 797 2607