London Genetics Limited, an expert in the use of pharmacogenetics in clinical drug discovery and development, has entered an intensive partnering programme following on from its successful pharmacogenetic conference in September. The meeting recognised that while pharmacogenetics and genetics have great potential in helping the biopharmaceutical industry overcome its many challenges, early clinical collaboration between companies, academia, regulators and payers is now needed.
The company will over the coming months be attending several conferences in the UK, Europe and the US to highlight its pharmacogenetics expertise. These include in November Bio-Europe 2009 (Vienna), the 5th Annual Burrill Personalised Medicine Meeting (San Francisco), and the International Congress on Genetics and Genomics at the American Heart Association meeting (Orlando), and in December, Genesis 2009 (London).
Pharmacogenetics is the study of how our genetic make-up affects the way in which we metabolise and respond to drugs. As a result, it is expected to play a key role in the future of drug development and healthcare delivery as the industry faces increasing pressure to replenish its pipeline and improve drug safety. By combining its access to genetic expertise with strategic advice on the application of pharmacogenetics in drug development, London Genetics can help companies meet this need for smarter and more efficient drug development. Given the genetic resources of its founding partners, London Genetics has broad therapeutic experience with a focus on cardiovascular drugs and cardiovascular safety.
The London Genetics Pharmacogenetics Conference 'Harnessing Genetic Knowledge To Improve Clinical Development and Patient Care', was attended by biopharmaceutical industry executives, as well as academics, regulatory experts and leading geneticists. Debates and conclusions from the conference, covering topics such as improvement of drug safety and the need to show cost-effectiveness, are expected to be covered in a forthcoming publication.
Dominique Kleyn, CEO, commented 'Following on from our successful inaugural conference, London Genetics is building on the raised profile of pharmacogenetics in drug development with an intensive partnering programme. By working with us throughout the drug development process biopharmaceutical companies will gain the value of the pharmacogenetics expertise they need to increase productivity, as well as drug safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Recent deals in the sector provide evidence of the growing enthusiasm in this area and London Genetics is offering practical and concrete support to help companies realise value from it'.
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