G3, Quintiles Enter Target Discovery Alliance

Global Genomics Group (G3) and Quintiles have entered a collaboration to investigate novel biomarkers and biological pathways for use in the development of diagnostic tools and treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Expression Analysis (EA), a Quintiles company, will conduct RNA sequencing, microRNA sequencing and methylation analysis in the GLOBAL (Genetic LOci and Burden of Atherosclerotic Lesions) clinical study.
 
The study aims to identify disease-related pathways, new drug targets, and biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, and is based on next-generation phenotyping, pan-omics and system-biology driven bioinformatics. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography, an advanced imaging technology, is used for phenotyping and allows for the measurement of plaque volume and composition.
 
“RNA and microRNA sequencing, as well as methylation analysis, are cornerstones of functional genomics,” said Szilard Voros, M.D., chief executive officer and co-founder of G3. “EA’s expertise in this area will be advantageous as we investigate the biology of complex processes responsible for various cardiovascular diseases. The enrollment of the GLOBAL study is ahead of schedule.”
 
“Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading cause of death around the world,” said Steve McPhail, president and chief executive officer of EA. “We look forward to working with G3 to support the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in addition to the possibility of the discovery of new biologic pathways which may ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutics and individualized medical treatment options for patients.”