A new research facility in Dublin is to act as the base for the most extensive scientific study undertaken on genetic links associated with heart disease. It has been made possible by an alliance between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the leading French biotechnology company, Genset.
Following the formation of a joint company, Surgen, the alliance will oversee the "mapping" and sequencing of human genes which may predispose people to heart disease. Several studies will be undertaken, involving up to 20,000 patients at a time throughout the world.
It is anticipated that this will yield improved and better-focused treatments, and more effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
At the opening of a £1 million research laboratory at the college yesterday, Surgen's clinical director, Prof Desmond Fitzgerald of the RCSI department of clinical pharmacology, said the alliance would give a vital insight into the genetic links with heart disease.
He added: "In Ireland, it is estimated that more than one in three deaths result from heart disease each year. To date, there is little information as to what genetically predisposes an individual towards this condition."
Previous clinical trials tended to look at the effect of a particular drug on a particular disease, he said. "The DNA samples and clinical information from Surgen are key resources to better understand the fundamental causes of the disease and the reasons why selective drugs work in certain circumstances."
The chief executive and chairman of Genset, Mr Pascal Brandys, predicted the venture would yield "major progress in the prevention and treatment of what is the primary cause of death in both our countries."
It was made possible, he said, because of Genset's unique ability to map and sequence human genes - the process known as genomics - on an industrial scale, and the RCSI's extensive clinical research capability.
Genomics has not been without controversy concerning patenting, patient rights and confidentiality of research. Mr Brandys said the work of Surgen would extend the pool of scientific information on an important area of research.
Inevitably, this would involve patenting some applications coming out of their work, but these were necessary to protect investments of hundreds of millions of dollars in developing new drugs. Ultimately, the patient would benefit with better drugs, he argued.
Surgen's objective will be to collect, analyse and maintain in a bank blood samples and DNA from volunteer patients. The RCSI will have rights to use this bank for clinical research and to publish the results of such research.
Genset will have exclusive access to the bank to conduct its gene discovery work and evaluation of drug responses, and to patent and commercialise any discoveries made as a result of this research.
This may involve forming alliances with drug companies, Mr Brandys confirmed, which could bring a financial return for Surgen and boost its research.
