PerkinElmer, George Mason University to develop proteomic technologies, cancer biomarkers

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., March 28 - PerkinElmer, Inc. announced a five-year research collaboration with George Mason University to develop a new approach to cancer detection, with a focus on stage 1 lung, ovarian and breast cancers.

The organizations will design new types of clinical assay platforms using the amino acid identification of a protein fragment and its specific mass to identify the biomarker, according to a company news release.

"This research agreement with PerkinElmer will become a major driver in the rapidly emerging field of proteomics and represents the first commercial venture of this magnitude for the university," George Mason president Alan Merten said in the release.

Initially, the collaboration will create a new proteomics technology to accurately measure and detect specific protein fragments found in human blood, which are potential biomarkers for disease, based on a recent discovery by George Mason University researchers.

The biomarker candidates for cancer detection that George Mason scientists are discovering using PerkinElmer's BioXpression platform will be validated in large-scale clinical trials.

"For improved patient outcomes, new diagnostics are needed," PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences president Robert F. Friel added in the release.

"We are excited to provide technology that enables proteomic researchers to identify new biomarkers that may be able to detect cancer earlier."

Boston-based PerkinElmer is a global technology company specializing in health sciences and photonics.

Located in Fairfax, Va., George Mason University is the state's largest public university.

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