A Chip Off The Old Genome

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 19 Feb 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Until now, most physicians have made their medical decisions based solely upon generic professional knowledge and treatment experience, with little or no insight into the molecular nature of a patient's disease. Ever since the monumental achievement of sequencing the human genome, however, it has become apparent that there is a need for a more robust patient gene classification system, as well as more effective predictive and prognostic tools to assist in medical treatment decisions.

"If you were diagnosed with breast cancer, wouldn't you want to know you were getting the right course of treatment before treatment begins?" asks Simon Chin, Founder, President, and CEO of Iris BioTechnologies, a Santa Clara, California-based theranostics company.

Iris is focused on developing and commercializing the Nano-BiochipTM to identify the gene expression patterns in patient samples and analyze them with an artificial intelligence software program. The Nano-Biochip and analytical software, in conjunction with an extensive personal patient survey, constitutes BioWindowsTM, a complete diagnostic and prognostic system that offers physicians an accurate look at the genomic aspect of a disease.

The ever-expanding BioWindows database is available for select patients to confidentially enter their personal information and medical history, at home or wherever they choose, via a secure, comprehensive online survey. By categorizing individuals according to their genomic profile and interfacing it with personal information, the BioWindowsTM system will enable physicians to more accurately determine the most effective, reliable, and personalized treatment option for every patient.

Iris has developed their first biochip to identify gene expression patterns in the multiple varieties of breast cancer. In addition to the BreastCancerChipTM, expected to be available in 2008, Iris is currently working on the NeuroChipTM, CardioChipTM, and MetabolicChipTM for human use, and specialized and proprietary chips for veterinary, agricultural, and environmental applications.

"We believe personalized medicine is the future of healthcare," says Chin. "Each patient is unique, and must be treated as such to optimize the outcome in delivering the right treatment for the right patient at the right time."

To learn more about the future of personalized gene expression medicine, visit the Web site at http://www.irisbiotech.com.