The first integrated project aimed to development of the interactive infrastructure for personal genome analysis has been launched in Russia. Sequoia genetics Company, a member of Alkor Bio Group of Companies, has started to consolidate resources and knowledge in the field of DNA sequencing, human genetics, algorithmic biology and IT for the creation of the unique solution for personalized medicine. The «Personal Genome Diagnostics» project goal is to develop an interactive tool for geneticists which will make it possible to carry out all of required genetic tests based on whole genome sequencing data.
The main concept of the project is to design universal and scalable cloud-based IT architecture, which would include a number of customized modules for:
- BIG DATA operation (compression, transferring and storage);
- integration with most sequencing platforms;
- physician workspace virtualization;
- supplementary interface for medical query generation;
- well supervised and annotated clinically significant mutations database operation;
- efficient algorithms for genome alignment, assembly and effective searching of eligible mutations;
- interactive visualization of test results;
- operation of knowledge database for genetic disorders, up-to-date scientific data, recommendations and reference documents;
- patients personal data protection;
- integration with electronic patient records system.
Development of such multipurpose solution for health care service, which has not yet a world counterpart, is a complex task requiring collaboration of different specialists such as clinical geneticists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, software developers, IT engineers and others. To solve this complex task the consortium of companies was set up. Sequoia genetics Company coordinates the project entire and work in the area of medical genetics. EMC Corporation develops solutions for BIG DATA processing and virtualization. The team of bioinformaticians from several Saint-Petersburg universities is responsible for the development of proprietary algorithms of data analysis. The project is implemented in the partnership with Skolkovo Innovation Centre. Favorable taxation and grant policy will encourage the startup.
About Sequoia genetics
Sequoia genetics, a member of Alkor Bio Group, has been found to lead the project «Personalized genomic diagnostics» that will take molecular-genetic diagnostics to the whole new level. «Alkor Bio» http://www.alkorbiogroup.ru/en/ , the largest biotechnological group in the North-West of Russia, was established in 1992. Now it incorporates 11 companies and is a Russian market leader in production of reagents for EIA and PCR. The group main line of business is: development, manufacture and sales of diagnostic kits for immune-enzyme and molecular-genetic analysis; development of the cellular technologies and its implementation into routine clinical practice; banking of hemopoietic stem cells from cord blood; conducting laboratory tests for individuals; investment in innovative biotechnological projects.
About EMC
EMC Corporation is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service. Fundamental to this transformation is cloud computing. Through innovative products and services, EMC accelerates the journey to cloud computing, helping IT departments to store, manage, protect and analyze their most valuable asset — information — in a more agile, trusted and cost-efficient way. Additional information about EMC can be found at www.EMC.com.On February 8, 2012 EMC and The Fund of Development and Commercialization of New Technologies «Skolkovo» signed an agreement on establishing a new center of research and development EMC that will make solutions for cloud computing and BIG DATA analytics in the field of bioinformatics and energy efficiency. In the next three years EMC plans to hire up to fifty Russian professionals for new R&D center. Currently the company has a big Center of excellence in Saint-Petersburg with hundreds employees. The EMC research center in Skolkovo will be the only one in the field of bioinformatics and energy efficiency. It will be tightly coupled with the EMC center in Saint-Petersburg for optimal cooperation.