Pfizer, deCODE in SLE Gene Pact

Pfizer has entered into a research collaboration with deCODE genetics to discover sequence variants associated with specific clinical phenotypes related to Systemic Lupus Erythematosis using deCODE’s gene discovery expertise.

During the next 18 months, the two companies will work together to analyze patient genomes to search for sequence variants that would be useful for understanding drug targets and discovering novel drug targets, which may lead to tools for patient stratification and companion diagnostics.

“This agreement is a part of deCODE’s ongoing strategy to unleash the value of human genetics,” said Kari Stefansson, founder and chief executive officer of decode. “Our research platform allows us to understand the genetic basis of disease and modifiers of clinical phenotypes in actual patient populations; by doing so, we can rapidly move from targets to patient stratification and from there to companion diagnostics.”