Gentris Corporation Opens New Genomic Biomarker Laboratory in China

MORRISVILLE, N.C., Nov. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gentris® Corporation (www.gentris.com), a global leader in the application of genomic biomarkers to clinical studies, announced today that it has opened a new genomic biomarker testing and biorepository services laboratory in Shanghai, China. Gentris Shanghai will provide GCLP-compliant testing and biobanking services for global pharmaceutical clients under international standards.

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"The launch of Gentris Shanghai is a tremendous milestone for our company," said Dr. Amelia Wall Warner, Gentris President and CEO. "Gentris is creating an international quality, global organization capable of providing genomic biomarker testing and biobanking services for clinical trials. In addition to commercial services, we are building collaborations with top Chinese research organizations, universities, and companies to accelerate drug development and innovation."

Gentris Shanghai will solve a critical need for pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing and clinical sample storage under international standards in China. Drug developers increasingly conduct large, integrated clinical trials that span the globe. China has been a primary focus in recent years due to a rapidly growing economy and tremendous investments in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and innovation infrastructure. Gentris Shanghai provides the necessary services and expertise to conduct PGx-enabled clinical trials in China and accelerate drug development globally.

"This is an exciting time for Gentris as we expand into China, which is now the third largest pharmaceutical market in the world," said Dr. Tong Zhou, Gentris Shanghai General Manager. "Our sponsors are increasingly incorporating China into global clinical trials and we are working with them to meet a critical need for harmonized, international standards for biobanking and genomic biomarker testing."

Initial services will include biobanking and nucleic acid prep. Genotyping and gene expression services will launch in 2014 with phased implementation based on market demand.

Gentris Shanghai is also working closely with government organizations, medical researchers, and hospitals to create translational research, education, and training collaborations focused on genomic biomarker testing and biobanking that will drive innovation in drug development and patient care. For example, Gentris, the Shanghai Institutes of Preventative Medicine, and an independent research institute are conducting a study to collect and analyze biospecimens from tuberculosis patients in China to evaluate drug-induced liver injury and potential biomarkers. By working with Gentris and its collaborators, industry sponsors will be able to gain access to unique clinical samples, patient populations, and new technology in China.

Related Links: www.gentris.com

About Gentris Corporation:
Founded in 2001, Gentris is located in Research Triangle Park, NC, where it provides pharmacogenomics and biorepository support for all phases of clinical studies and genomic biomarker programs. The company works with academic and industry leaders to translate innovations in pharmacogenomics into safer, more effective medicines, which can lead to accelerated drug development and improvement in patient care globally. In the past year, Gentris has significantly expanded its facility and onsite biorepository to meet the increased needs of biopharma clients, while maintaining a preeminent quality system.

About Gentris Shanghai
Gentris Shanghai builds on over 10 years of genomic biomarker testing and biorepository services in the USA. The company was created from the ground up to ensure the highest quality services performed under international regulatory standards. The mission of Gentris Shanghai is to enable globally-integrated pharmacogenomics drug development studies in China. In addition to commercial services, Gentris Shanghai has built relationships with leading research organizations, hospitals, universities, and government agencies in China in order to facilitate collaborations and partnerships that can accelerate innovation and improve patient care globally.

SOURCE Gentris Corporation