Gentris Partners with FALCO biosystems

Gentris Corporation (Gentris), a leading global provider of applied clinical pharmacogenomic services and diagnostic product solutions, today announced the company has partnered with FALCO biosystems Ltd. (FALCO), one of the largest publicly-traded medical testing laboratories in Japan. The exclusive ten-year licensing agreement marks the establishment of Japan’s first Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant pharmacogenomics laboratory, moving Japan into the era of personalized medicine.

The partnership, to be called “Gentris Japan”, will offer pharmacogenomics services to the pharmaceutical industry in Japan, the second-largest pharmaceutical market in the world after the United States.

The partnership is a natural, strategic move for both Gentris and FALCO as global pharmaceutical companies in Japan increasingly look to effectively integrate pharmacogenomics into their drug development programs. Gentris already serves a large client base of pharmaceutical companies in Japan and therefore has developed a strong reputation and brand within the market. As the country’s first GLP-compliant pharmacogenomics laboratory, Gentris Japan will have a clear competitive advantage in meeting the high standards of the global pharmaceutical industry.

“It is evident that pharmacogenomics is going to be as important to drug development, and ultimately the public, in Japan as it is in the United States and Europe,” commented Gentris CEO Michael Murphy. “For several drugs routinely prescribed in Japan, research has identified clear relationships between individual genetic differences and how these drugs are metabolized. Gentris Japan will work to ensure that people receive safer and more effective medications, at the appropriate dosage, based on these individual genetic variations.”

“By partnering with FALCO, a Japanese leader in applications of molecular biology with facilities throughout the country, we are strategically positioned to better serve our current clients while at the same time developing new relationships with global pharmaceutical companies in the market,” Murphy continued.

“Our mission is to help society achieve higher standards of living and health through information, technology and services,” said FALCO Chairman and President Hiroharu Akazawa. “Partnering with Gentris to introduce the first GLP-compliant pharmacogenomics laboratory in Japan is a great step in the advancement of personalized medicine. Gentris’ superior standards of practice and longstanding leadership in the field of pharmacogenomics make the company an ideal partner for FALCO. We look forward to working together to bring safer and more effective drugs to the Japanese public.”

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About Gentris Corporation
Gentris Corporation is a leading global provider of applied clinical pharmacogenomic services and diagnostic product solutions. As pioneers in the field of pharmacogenomics, Gentris helps pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations effectively integrate pharmacogenomics into their drug development programs to deliver safer, more effective compounds to the market sooner. Gentris is developing validated reference controls and diagnostic test kits that will bring the promise of personalized medicine to physicians and patients, which will enhance patient management, improve patients' response to therapy and revolutionize medicine through pharmacogenomics. For additional information, please visit http://www.gentris.com