AsianScientist (Aug. 4, 2017) – Invitrocue, a leading healthcare bio-analytic solutions provider, has established a first-of-its-kind joint laboratory with the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
The GIS-IVQ Joint Laboratory is the first in Asia-Pacific to focus on the integration of phenotypic and genomic data with patient response performed prospectively. This means that patient-derived tumour models, functional genomics, and artificial intelligence (AI) or data mining will be used to identify novel biomarkers of drug resistance and response, and to provide real-time guidance of treatment in a clinical setting.
Located at the Genome building in Biopolis, the laboratory will focus on the development and integration of Invitrocue’s Onco-PDOTM platform for four oncology indications, which include head and neck cancer; colorectal cancer; liver cancer; and triple-negative breast cancer. These cancers were specially chosen as they are diseases with no biomarker-guided therapy, and are prevalent in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.
Dr. Steven Fang, Executive Director and Founder of Invitrocue, and Adjunct Professor of the University of Adelaide, said, “The GIS-IVQ Joint Laboratory is another significant milestone for Invitrocue, and a happy reunion story since the company was spun-off from A*STAR five years ago in 2012. Our innovative approach in using bioanalytics for healthcare has been validated by leading pharmaceutical companies.”
The joint laboratory will leverage GIS’ expertise in genomics, oncology and organoid biology, and Invitrocue’s capabilities in developing cell-based products and services for commercialization. The joint laboratory will employ up to 20 personnel in various scientific and technical roles, and targets to add 18 new positions which require cell biology and bioengineering expertise over the next two years. Invitrocue has also partnered with groups in Australia, such as the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, to scale up its efforts.
The GIS-IVQ Joint Laboratory was officially launched on July 25, 2017 as part of the University of Adelaide’s Third 2017 Australia-Singapore Relationship Conference held in Singapore. The event was graced by the Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith MP, Minister for Investment and Trade, Government of South Australia.
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Source: A*STAR; Photo: Shutterstock.
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