Quintiles Latest Acquisition to Advance Personalized Medicine

14 Aug 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Industry news

Quintiles, a fully integrated biopharmaceutical services company, has announced the acquisition of Expression Analysis, Inc. (EA), a premier provider of genomics testing and analysis to biopharma, academic, government and non-profit customers.

This is the latest in a series of acquisitions and alliances designed to help Quintiles customers leverage the power of genomics to better understand diseases; develop diagnostic tools; and deliver safer, more effective therapies based on the genetic makeup of the disease and the patient.

“The addition of EA’s Genomic Know-How® to Quintiles is another step forward in our efforts to bring personalized medicine into mainstream drug development,” said Thomas Wollman, Senior Vice President, Quintiles Global Laboratories. “Its expertise in genetic sequencing and advanced bioinformatics is essential to understanding diseases and drugs at the molecular level. That’s a huge step in creating more value across the healthcare spectrum.”

Steve McPhail, EA President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “The combination of Quintiles Global Laboratories and EA genomic technology excellence will facilitate worldwide access to resources and expertise to drive improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and management of complex disease. EA can now play a global role in helping biopharma succeed in the New Health. This is the right move for our company and our employees. Our mission perfectly fits Quintiles strategy to use genomic data and advanced informatics to yield actionable insights and more effective personalized treatments.”

EA provides whole genome to focused-set gene expression and genotyping assays, along with next-generation sequencing services, sequence enrichment technologies and bioinformatics support. It offers a broad range of services across multiple platforms. Its quality system follows CLSI guidelines and its CLIA-registered laboratory supports GLP compliance.

Quintiles Global Laboratories supports trials worldwide with wholly owned facilities in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, India, China, Singapore and Japan, and a tightly coordinated network of affiliate laboratories in Argentina and Brazil. All Quintiles laboratories operate with uniform instrumentation and standard operating procedures, delivering high quality, harmonized data.

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DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Precision MedicinePrecision medicine refers to the idea of customized healthcare, where medical decisions and treatments are tailored to the individual patient. Molecular diagnostics, companion diagnostics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) play a pivotal role in this approach.
Quintiles Latest Acquisition to Advance Personalized Medicine