2008 London Genetics / Genizon Biosciences Transaction

Setting:

Genizon Biosciences is a Canadian company which discovers genes and biomarkers associated with common diseases using genome wide association studies (GWAS). For each GWAS, the company assembles a comprehensive map of interacting genes (GeneMaps). Having constructed a schizophrenia GeneMap it wished to replicate it in additional populations. Researchers at University College London have schizophrenia DNA samples with clinical and family history as well as other data. Schizophrenia is estimated to affect up to 1% of the global adult population, and many antipsychotic treatments are associated with side effects. UCL is a founding partner of London Genetics.

Objectives:

Genizon was looking for well-validated schizophrenia cohorts with matched controls in order to refine the evolving GeneMap.

Process:

Following an initial meeting at BIO in 2007, London Genetics located and brought the relevant parties together, and developed the collaboration agreement.

Results:

A collaboration between Genizon and LGL, acting on behalf of UCL, was announced in February 2008. UCL is providing samples to Genizon in Canada, with the company performing the analysis. Data is shared between the parties.