TD2 integrates genomic technologies to advance drug
development
Phoenix, AZ, June 30, 2005 -- The Translational Genomics Research
Institute (TGen) today announced the official opening of its drug
development services unit known as TD2. Located at the new Mayo
Clinic Collaborative Research Building on the Scottsdale campus of
Mayo Clinic, TD2 has over 10,000 square feet of wet and dry
laboratory space.
Advances in genomic discoveries and technologies are bringing in a
new era of personalized medicine, and in the process, transforming
the nature of drug development. TD2 is designed to integrate these
genomic advances with progressive drug development strategies aimed
at developing targeted therapies for patients with cancer.
"With more than 1,000 new drug candidates in development for
cancer, there is a tremendous need to bring the latest technologies
to bear on preclinical and clinical development programs," said
Richard Love, Managing Director TGen Accelerators. "TD2 expects to
be on the leading edge of utilizing genomic tools to guide the drug
development process and ultimately match the right drug with the
right patient."
TD2 helps investigators from research institutions, biotech and
pharmaceutical companies evaluate the efficacy of their drug
candidate by using preclinical models, genomic tools and
coordination of Phase I clinical trials at various clinical
facilities, including Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Scottsdale
Healthcare, the Arizona Cancer Center, and U.S. Oncology. TD2 also
provides central coordination of an international team of
investigators who are conducting studies in patients with
pancreatic cancer. Although initially focused in oncology, TD2
expects to expand its capabilities to other disease areas including
neurological diseases and diabetes.
TD2 is led by noted scientist and physician, Dr. Dan Von Hoff,
TGen's Director of Translational Research. "We are extraordinarily
fortunate to have the leadership of Dr. Von Hoff," said Steve
Marsh, General Manager of TD2. "He has led teams bringing more than
200 new anticancer drugs into clinical development and has played a
pivotal role in getting many new anticancer drugs approved by the
FDA."
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About TGen
The mission of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)
is to make and translate genomic discoveries into advances in human
health. Translational genomics research is a relatively new field
employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project
and applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics
and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and
other complex diseases. TGen is focused on personalized medicine
and plans to accomplish its goals through robust and
disease-focused research programs and its state-of-the-art
bioinformatics and computational biology facilities.
Media Contacts:
Galen Perry (602) 343-8423
Amy Erickson (602) 343-8522