Illumina introduces VeraCode ADME core panel for studying drug
response and adverse events
16 April 2010
Illumina, Inc. has launched 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.
"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, MD, 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 US, 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."