CRAIGAVON, NORTHERN IRELAND, 27 March 2007 - Today Almac Diagnostics announced a major study analysing colorectal polyp tissue samples using its novel Colorectal Cancer DSA microarray. The DSA research tool focuses on the transcriptome of an individual disease, in this case colorectal cancer, and contains significant additional data, relevant to the disease of interest that is not available on other generic microarrays. The study will be conducted in collaboration with leading genetic researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) (in the US).
"Our novel technology has been developed to help researchers reduce discovery timelines, accelerate the validation process and ultimately deliver clinical applications in this disease setting. For researchers, our technology provides a comprehensive, long term, stable research platform," said Paul Harkin, BSc, PhD, Professor of Molecular Oncology at the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Belfast and MD and President of Almac Diagnostics.
"Down the line, this particular study aims to more accurately determine the likelihood of colorectal polyps becoming cancer. Using our proprietary technology and MGH's expertise, we have a strong foundation for developing predictive signatures that can benefit patients," he added.
The study will use paraffin embedded samples and collection is currently underway. Tissue samples will be analysed by Almac Diagnostics over two years. Information derived from the study will be analysed by a joint Almac and MGH informatics team.
"Our research will use the DSA microarray to examine the transcriptome of colorectal polyps at a greater level of specificity and to generate information that will help us draw meaningful conclusions from our data. Eventually we hope to develop a gene expression signature that will inform both surveillance and preventative protocols for colorectal cancer," said Sridhar Ramaswamy, MD, Tuc
'"/>
Contact: Vanessa Leon
Vanessa.leon@edelman.com
44-207-344-1344
Edelman Public Relations
4-Apr-2007