Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) and the Ignite Institute for
Individualized Health announced today a collaboration to create a
ground-breaking genomic sequencing center at Ignite’s new facility in
Northern Virginia. Ignite will acquire 100 of the Applied Biosystems
SOLiD™ 4 Systems, the most advanced next generation DNA sequencing
platform on the market, establishing the largest concentration of
genetic analytical power in North America. The SOLiD 4 System will
enable Ignite’s scientists to sequence entire genomes quicker, more
accurately and more cost effectively than previously possible. The
instruments will provide the throughput to fuel the research that could
yield countless diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic advances.
“That ability
is now in place with the SOLiD 4 System, and we are very pleased to
partner with Ignite, which is pioneering breakthrough research to make
molecular medicine a reality.”
“Since developing the equipment that enabled the initial decoding of the
human genome in 2000, we have been dedicated to accelerating the
technology to perform mainstream sequencing of personal genomes for
research as well as translational medicine,” said Gregory T. Lucier,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Life Technologies. “That ability
is now in place with the SOLiD 4 System, and we are very pleased to
partner with Ignite, which is pioneering breakthrough research to make
molecular medicine a reality.”
“This is truly a watershed moment for the genomic revolution that we
have all been working toward,” said Ignite Founder and CEO, Dietrich
Stephan, Ph.D. “Ignite was established as a non-profit collaborative
enterprise to pioneer a new model for 21st century medicine
through molecular scientific discovery, rapid commercialization and
practical application in patient care. Through our partnership with Life
Technologies, we will be able to help transform personalized medicine
from promise to practice.”
With the SOLiD 4 System’s new gold standard throughput power and
accuracy, scientists at Ignite will be able to efficiently and
completely sequence thousands of genomes. By comparing large numbers of
genomes of people with and without specific diseases, researchers can
accelerate the advent of personalized and molecular medicine –
understanding the multiple molecular factors that cause disease.
Ignite is focusing research efforts on diseases that place the heaviest
burden on personal and public health: cancers, metabolic diseases (such
as diabetes), neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer’s),
cardiovascular diseases (such as myocardial infarction and stroke), and
pediatric afflictions (such as autism spectrum disorder).
Installations of the SOLiD 4 Systems will begin in the first quarter and
continue through the balance of 2010. Revenue related to this deal is
expected to be recognized over the next three years.
New insights on the association between genes, gut microbiota, and mental health