Singapore: Japanese firm, Eisai, and Oxford based Genomics has formed partnership to share Genomics' statistical analyses of large-scale multi-phenotype genetic association data to inform Eisai's drug discovery process, including target selection, target validation, indication selection and repositioning.

Both companies believe that human genetics and genomics can add great value to the drug development process. Genomics, the Oxford based genome analytics company, will be partnering with Eisai's new Integrated Human Genomics (IHGx) Research Unit, which operates directly under the supervision of Eisai Product Creation Systems' Chief Clinical Officer.

"Eisai is delighted to be working with Genomics," states Dr Nadeem Sarwar, global head of genetics & human biology and director of the IHGx Research Unit, "Genomics' founders are internationally recognized leaders in the analysis and interpretation of human genetic data. This collaboration is another indication of Eisai's commitment to leveraging genomic knowledge to accelerate the discovery and development of impactful new medicines."

Professor Peter Donnelly, a director and founder of Genomics, says "Genomics' research work with Eisai will demonstrate the real value that powerful analyses of large genomic databases can add to drug development pipelines."

"Genomics is excited to be working with one of the world's leading research and development-based pharmaceutical companies, in the rapidly growing area of genomic analysis. This exciting new area promises to have a major impact on medicine," added Mr John Colenutt, CEO, Genomics.

Eisai's Integrated Human Genomics Research Unit combines dedicated quantitative, wet-lab biology and chemistry expertise and resource within an autonomous and highly collaborative R&D innovation unit. IHGx focuses predominantly on neurodegeneration, auto-immune diseases and oncology, employing entrepreneurial and collaborative business models, to catalyse delivery of novel and targeted therapeutics from human genetics to patients.