New Brunswick, NJ - Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository (RUCDR) Infinite Biologics , BioRealm, LLC, and – Affymetrix, Inc. announced a broad strategic alliance. This alliance will leverage BioRealm's SmokeScreen® platform to genotype the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) biorepository of more than 50,000 samples, collected from human subjects studied in NIDA-funded research. NIDA preserves these samples in a biorepository at RUCDR Infinite Biologics, on the campus of Rutgers University.
The biorepository is maintained by RUCDR Infinite Biologics and in part through collaboration with the BioProcessing Solutions Alliance which was created by RUDCR Infinite Biologics and BioStorage Technologies, the global leader in comprehensive sample management.
Once the genetic information contained in these samples is made available to researchers, it will be extremely valuable for studying the link between genetic variations and addiction. Detailed genetic information might, for example, be used by researchers exploring how genetics influences patients’ individual responses to treatment approaches.
To date, the genetic information contained in these samples has been focused on specific targets and not collectively analyzed. This strategic alliance makes it possible, for the first time ever, to cost-efficiently analyze this valuable information. The genetic information will be obtained by using BioRealm’s SmokeScreen® array, developed in conjunction with NIDA’s Genetics Consortium and Affymetrix. SmokeScreen® array is a genome-wide array with research-driven focus on more than 1,000 addiction-related genes.
BioRealm’s Co-Founder Dr. James Baurley remarked, “We are extremely honored to have the help and support of Affymetrix and RUCDR. Our SmokeScreen® technology provides a suite of genomic research tools to scientists working on addiction – one of the biggest public health threats. Because of our partners’ confidence in our technology, it will be made available to scientific teams around the world who are working on these critical health issues.”
RUCDR Infinite Biologics’ Chief Operating Officer and Director of Technology Development Dr. Andrew Brooks said, “Because of the SmokeScreen® array, we have the ability to reveal genetic information previously hidden in NIDA's samples. We have great confidence in SmokeScreen® ‒ it is a validated platform that will become a crucial tool in advancing addiction research and moving the field towards personalized treatment.”
According to Dr. Frank R. Witney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Affymetrix, “We are excited to be part of BioRealm’s vision of improving human health by providing insight into the genetics of tobacco-related illness. It was a pleasure to work with BioRealm’s team of dedicated scientists to co-develop this cutting-edge technology.”
About BioRealm LLC
BioRealm, a life sciences company headquartered in Monument, Colorado, uses novel technology to provide end-to-end services for researchers and product development teams, including study design, data management, and data analysis. BioRealm’s cutting-edge products and technologies support the research process, from hypothesis to conclusion. BioRealm’s SmokeScreen® platform provides researchers with unique insight into the genetics of addiction, smoking behavior, and treatment approaches. Read more at http://biorealmresearch.com/.
About RUCDR Infinite Biologics
RUCDR Infinite Biologics offers a complete and integrated selection of biological sample processing, analysis and biorepository services to government agencies, academic institutions, foundations, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies within the global scientific community. RUCDR provides DNA, RNA, and cell lines with clinical data to hundreds of research laboratories for studies on mental health and developmental disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, diabetes and digestive, liver, and kidney diseases. A unit of Rutgers University’s Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, RUCDR is the world’s largest university-based biorepository. In 2012, a Bioprocessing Solutions Alliance was created between RUCDR and BioStorage Technologies to provide research companies and organizations with a state-of-the-art scientific and technology infrastructure for the delivery of advanced sample bioprocessing and biobanking solutions. Read more at www.rucdr.org.
About Affymetrix
Affymetrix technologies enable multiplex and simultaneous analysis of biological systems at the cell, protein, and gene level, facilitating the rapid translation of bench-top research into clinical and routine use for human health and wellness. Affymetrix provides leadership and support, partnering with customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and non-profit research institutes in their quest to use biology for a better world. More than 2,300 microarray systems have been shipped around the world and more than 94,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published citing Affymetrix technologies. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has manufacturing facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, San Diego, Vienna, and Singapore. Affymetrix has about 1,100 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit www.affymetrix.com.
Once the genetic information contained in these samples is made available to researchers, it will be extremely valuable for studying the link between genetic variations and addiction. Detailed genetic information might, for example, be used by researchers exploring how genetics influences patients’ individual responses to treatment approaches.
To date, the genetic information contained in these samples has been focused on specific targets and not collectively analyzed. This strategic alliance makes it possible, for the first time ever, to cost-efficiently analyze this valuable information. The genetic information will be obtained by using BioRealm’s SmokeScreen® array, developed in conjunction with NIDA’s Genetics Consortium and Affymetrix. SmokeScreen® array is a genome-wide array with research-driven focus on more than 1,000 addiction-related genes.
BioRealm’s Co-Founder Dr. James Baurley remarked, “We are extremely honored to have the help and support of Affymetrix and RUCDR. Our SmokeScreen® technology provides a suite of genomic research tools to scientists working on addiction – one of the biggest public health threats. Because of our partners’ confidence in our technology, it will be made available to scientific teams around the world who are working on these critical health issues.”
RUCDR Infinite Biologics’ Chief Operating Officer and Director of Technology Development Dr. Andrew Brooks said, “Because of the SmokeScreen® array, we have the ability to reveal genetic information previously hidden in NIDA's samples. We have great confidence in SmokeScreen® ‒ it is a validated platform that will become a crucial tool in advancing addiction research and moving the field towards personalized treatment.”
According to Dr. Frank R. Witney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Affymetrix, “We are excited to be part of BioRealm’s vision of improving human health by providing insight into the genetics of tobacco-related illness. It was a pleasure to work with BioRealm’s team of dedicated scientists to co-develop this cutting-edge technology.”
About BioRealm LLC
BioRealm, a life sciences company headquartered in Monument, Colorado, uses novel technology to provide end-to-end services for researchers and product development teams, including study design, data management, and data analysis. BioRealm’s cutting-edge products and technologies support the research process, from hypothesis to conclusion. BioRealm’s SmokeScreen® platform provides researchers with unique insight into the genetics of addiction, smoking behavior, and treatment approaches. Read more at http://biorealmresearch.com/.
About RUCDR Infinite Biologics
RUCDR Infinite Biologics offers a complete and integrated selection of biological sample processing, analysis and biorepository services to government agencies, academic institutions, foundations, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies within the global scientific community. RUCDR provides DNA, RNA, and cell lines with clinical data to hundreds of research laboratories for studies on mental health and developmental disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, diabetes and digestive, liver, and kidney diseases. A unit of Rutgers University’s Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, RUCDR is the world’s largest university-based biorepository. In 2012, a Bioprocessing Solutions Alliance was created between RUCDR and BioStorage Technologies to provide research companies and organizations with a state-of-the-art scientific and technology infrastructure for the delivery of advanced sample bioprocessing and biobanking solutions. Read more at www.rucdr.org.
About Affymetrix
Affymetrix technologies enable multiplex and simultaneous analysis of biological systems at the cell, protein, and gene level, facilitating the rapid translation of bench-top research into clinical and routine use for human health and wellness. Affymetrix provides leadership and support, partnering with customers in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotechnology companies, as well as leading academic, government, and non-profit research institutes in their quest to use biology for a better world. More than 2,300 microarray systems have been shipped around the world and more than 94,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published citing Affymetrix technologies. Affymetrix is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has manufacturing facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, San Diego, Vienna, and Singapore. Affymetrix has about 1,100 employees worldwide and maintains sales and distribution operations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. For more information about Affymetrix, please visit www.affymetrix.com.
