The aim is to create an integrated genetic test that characterises cancer tumours at the molecular level to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients.
This collaboration will use the most advanced DNA analysis technology from Illumina, the global leader in next generation gene sequencing technology, to genetically profile cancers and build a bank of information on every tumour type. The Barts Cancer Institute will provide the samples of material from their tissue bank. Source BioScience, the UK’s leading DNA analysis and diagnostics company, will develop the integrated diagnostic test which will indicate the most effective treatment options for each patient.
Dr Cliff Murray Head of Research and Development at Source BioScience said “This is the first time that experts in DNA analysis, cancer research and diagnostic development have joined forces to tackle cancer diagnosis at the genetic level. Our aim is to make tumour genetic analysis a routine part of diagnosis and treatment. We believe it will significantly change health economics and push personalised medicine into the forefront of cancer treatment.”
Whilst there are a variety of pathology tests for the assessment of patients to monitor their response to specific drugs, the current methods are costly, complex, time-consuming, and not commonly available to clinicians.
Prof Lemoine, Director of Barts Cancer Institute added, “On behalf of the Barts Cancer Institute I am really excited to be working with two market leaders on the Stratified Medicine programme. The advent of targeted therapies now requires the development of technology that can be applied in routine health service laboratories to make personalised medicine a reality for all patients. Our combined strengths mean that we are well placed to deliver a next-generation solution.”
Richard Henfrey, Associate Director, Regional Marketing Europe, Illumina concluded, “Illumina is thrilled to be involved with this important project together with Source BioScience and Barts Cancer Institute and we are excited that our market leading and proven next generation sequencing technology has been chosen for the project. Both our high-throughput HiSeq and the new MiSeq platforms will be used. Illumina is committed to improving human health by enabling researchers to accelerate the collection, analysis and application of genetic information and this project is a perfect example.”
For further information, please contact:
Source BioScience plc
Dr Nick Ash, CEO
Dr Cliff Murray Head, Research and Development
Tel: +44 (0) 115 973 9010
Email: enquiries@sourcebioscience.com
www.sourcebioscience.com
College Hill (PR Agency to Source BioScience)
Melanie Toyne Sewell/ Dimithri Wignarajah
Tel: +44 (0)207 457 2020
Email: sourcebioscience@collegehill.com
Illumina, Inc.
Wilson Grabill, Sr. Manager, Public Relations
Tel: +1 858-882-6822
Email: wgrabill@illumina.com
Barts Cancer Institute
Kerry Noble
Communications Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7882 7943
Email: k.noble@qmul.ac.uk
About Source BioScience:
Source BioScience plc (LSE: SBS) is an international diagnostics and genetic analysis business serving the healthcare and research markets. Its Healthcare operations provide screening and reference laboratory diagnostic testing for cancer and other diseases and additional predictive testing for treatment optimisation for clinicians and patients. The LifeSciences division provides core laboratory research support from conceptualisation to implementation, calling upon a wide range of cutting-edge technology platforms including an online catalogue of biomolecular tools. The PharmaBiotech division offers support for early stage therapeutic development, offering a 'one-stop shop' from tissue pathology, immunohistochemistry, sophisticated image analysis, biomarker determination and assay development to pharmacogenomics including genotyping and gene expression analysis. The Group has its headquarters in Nottingham, UK. Further information about Source BioScience can be found at www.sourcebioscience.com
About Barts Cancer Institute:
The Barts Cancer Institute brings together world-class scientists, doctors and nurses working in the heart of London. Our goal - to prevent cancer and develop better diagnostic techniques and treatments - will ultimately improve patient survival and enhance the quality of life for those with long-term disease. Our researchers focus on blood cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer. We are also developing their existing expertise in cancers that specifically affect men and women, including breast, cervical, ovarian, prostate and testicular cancer. www.bci.qmul.ac.uk
About Illumina
Illumina (www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for the analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fuelling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.
About The Technology Strategy Board
The Technology Strategy Board is a business-led government body which works to create economic growth by ensuring that the UK is a global leader in innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information please visit www.innovateuk.org
