NST,
March 25, 2008
BioNexus firm MGRC to
publish new findings on cancer
BIONEXUS-STATUS firm Malaysian Genomics Resource
Centre Sdn Bhd (MGRC) expects to publish at least
two new findings this year on cancer disease,
Synamatix Sdn Bhd vice-president Dr Arif Anwar says.
He said the findings are to be among the results of
its collaboration with the world's leading DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) sequencing centre,
Washington University Genome Sequencing Centre
(WUGSC).
The centre is renowned for cutting-edge studies on
deciphering the genetic code of various organisms as
well as of critical diseases such as cancer.
"We are collaborating with WUGSC to discover new
approaches in cancer genomics," Dr Arif told
Business Times in Kuala Lumpur recently.
 He
said the tie-up between MGRC, a unit of
bioinformatics firm Synamatix and WUGSC will
ultimately create greater awareness on how to better
assess the risk of cancer as well as its diagnosis
and treatment.
"The global market for prescribed drugs for cancer
alone is worth more than US$55 billion (RM175.45
billion)," he said.
In efforts to create better awareness on cancer,
MGRC, in association with Malaysian Biotechnology
Corp, has invited WUGSC to the Eminent Speaker
Series.
The invited speaker is WUGSC co-director Dr Elaine
Mardis.
The event, which starts today at the Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre will be officiated by BiotechCorp
chief executive officer Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood.
Iskandar, who was present during the interview, said
the Eminent Speaker Series provide the opportunity
for Malaysia's bio-technology industry to hear,
discuss, clarify and exchange opinions on the key
trends and developments in the biotechnology sector.
"We hope that this initiative will enable local
scientists to gain first-hand insights into key
developments driving genomics research and
technology innovations around the world," he said.
He said it is also a unique opportunity to preview
how 21st century cutting-edge genomics technologies
can be used to seek cure for cancer. |
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