May 24, 2022 -- Thermo Fisher Scientific and Qatar Genome Program (QGP) have partnered to promote the development of genomic research tools and clinical applications to expand advancements in precision medicine. Specifically, the collaboration focuses on developing predictive genomic tools related to disease screenings among Arab populations.
Thermo Fisher and QGP seek to create a custom genotyping array, known as Axiom. This array will be utilized to generate genomic information for Arab populations using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from over 19 Arab countries. The insights gained from this array will be harnessed to fuel research innovations related to metabolic, cardiovascular, and rare genetic diseases, as well as cancer. Additionally, the array provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional WGS.
Through collaboration starting in 2018, Thermo Fisher and QGP have also actively worked toward advancing a microarray technology customized for the population of Qatar. This technology, called the Q-Chip, is capable of identifying genetic mutations increasing a person's risk for various diseases. Through this new agreement, Thermo Fisher and QGP will continue to optimize such technologies, extending into clinical, risk assessment, and pharmacogenomic applications.