Illumina launches VeraCode ADME Core Panel

Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced the launch of its VeraCode ADME Core Panel designed to help researchers study genetic predispositions for differential drug response and adverse events. The VeraCode ADME Core Panel offers the most complete representation of the key biomarkers associated with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) as standardized by pharmaceutical industry experts in the PharmADME Core List. Leveraging Illumina's innovative VeraCode technology, researchers using the product can analyze key ADME content in as little as one day, allowing studies to proceed faster and more efficiently than ever before.

“Understanding genetic variability associated with drug response and disposition is a key step toward the realization of personalized medicine, and the VeraCode ADME Core Panel will help enable this exciting transformation”

"We selected the ADME Core Panel for its multiplex coverage of the key biomarkers associated with drugs in our initial study, and for its efficiency in processing samples," said Dan Masys, M.D., chair of Bioinformatics at Vanderbilt University. "We are looking for a set of variants that reliably predict an adverse effect from a medication, and have over 80,000 DNA samples with matched, de-identified medical records to support the study." Dr. Masys is leading the Vanderbilt Electronic Systems for Pharmacogenetic Assessment study using the VeraCode ADME Core Panel to generate an extensive pharmacogenetic database. This database will be widely used to link genotypes to drug response phenotypes extracted from electronic health record data.

The VeraCode ADME Core Panel offers:

• High-value content: The panel contains 184 biomarkers in 34 genes, with the highest coverage of the PharmADME Core List. This list, produced by the PharmADME Working Group of industry and academic experts, provides comprehensive coverage of the most biologically relevant biomarkers spanning complex regions of the genome.
• Rapid and precise genotyping assay: Using a highly specific and streamlined chemistry, DNA can be genotyped within 8 hours with less than 2.5 hours of hands-on time, enabling researchers to complete studies faster than ever before.
• High-quality data: Two layers of specificity and integrated quality controls ensure data precision with an excellent call rate. In addition, the supporting software for VeraScan offers a convenient user interface that manages user authentication, logs system activity, and automatically translates genotype data into the star nomenclature used by researchers to analyze pharmacogenetic data.

"Understanding genetic variability associated with drug response and disposition is a key step toward the realization of personalized medicine, and the VeraCode ADME Core Panel will help enable this exciting transformation," said Jay Flatley, president and CEO of Illumina. "With the cost of bringing a new medicine to market now exceeding $1 billion and over $220 billion spent annually on medications in the U.S., it is critical that we look for savings in all stages of drug development. With its emphasis on rapid operation and high-quality data, the VeraCode ADME Core Panel can help bring safe and effective therapies to patients as quickly as possible."