Nanogen Releases Pharmacogenetics Research Reagents for CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Analysis
2006-12-06
SAN DIEGO (Dec. 6, 2006) - Nanogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: NGEN), developer of advanced diagnostic products, announced today that it has released reagents designed for research use only studies analyzing CYP2C9 and VKORC1, two genes with potential applications in drug metabolism and response. The company plans to submit similar reagents, along with others, for FDA clearance in early 2007.
"We expect to see steady growth in the pharmacogenetics market in the coming years," said Howard C. Birndorf, Nanogen's chairman of the board and CEO, "especially in light of the FDA's recent guidance encouraging collection of pharmacogenetic data during drug development and clinical trials."
The FDA has also indicated it may soon recommend that the anti-coagulant warfarin be labeled to advise genetic testing for variations in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes. Warfarin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States, and mutations in these genes have been linked to variable optimum dosages and adverse reactions.
Ongoing research studies aim to further define the contributions of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 mutations to warfarin dose optimization. The new Nanogen products offer these researchers the ability to investigate the effects of a range of mutations in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes, including the -1639 mutation in VKORC1 and the *2, *3, *5, *6, and *11 alleles of CYP2C9. The reagents can be used to quickly and easily determine genotypes for from one to 78 samples.
About Nanogen, Inc.
Nanogen's advanced technologies provide researchers, clinicians and physicians worldwide with improved methods and tools to predict, diagnose, and ultimately help treat disease. The company's products include real-time PCR reagents, the NanoChip® 400 electronic microarray platform and a line of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests. Nanogen's ten years of pioneering research involving nanotechnology holds the promise of miniaturization and continues to be supported for its potential for diagnostic and biodefense applications. For additional information please visit Nanogen's website at www.nanogen.com.
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