Critical Path Institute (C-Path) and Centogene have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate therapies for lysosomal diseases (LDs).
Based in the US, C-Path is a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing drug development processes. Centogene, on the other hand, is a rare disease company specialising in genomic and multiomic testing.
Their partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations in genetic and real-world data (RWD) to address challenges in developing safe and effective treatments for LDs.
Centogene, which is engaged in providing advanced sequencing technologies and diagnostic services, operates the Centogene Biodatabank. The integrated multiomic data repository is claimed to have data from over 850,000 patients across more than 120 countries, a significant portion from non-European backgrounds.
Since its inception in 2006, Centogene is said to have utilised its diagnostic insights to inform research and development efforts in rare and neurodegenerative diseases. Its collaboration with C-Path will focus on specific LDs such as Niemann-Pick disease type C, Gaucher disease types 2 and 3, and mucopolysaccharidosis type II.
Centogene chief medical and genomic officer Peter Bauer said: “At Centogene, we are committed to delivering data-driven, life-changing answers to accelerate and de-risk drug discovery and development. Precision, advanced analysis, and access is where our Biodatabank makes a qualitative difference.
“In partnering with C-Path, we are advancing our shared vision of transforming real-world data into life-saving therapeutics for patients around the world.”
Under the MOU, several collaborative initiatives will be pursued. Data Enrichment and Linkage, which is one of them, will focus on integrating and enriching data within targeted LDs, aiming to enhance understanding and management of these conditions.
The Genetic Testing Services initiative will support clinical trials and observational studies, utilising Centogene’s genetic analysis expertise and database to improve participant recruitment and study outcomes.
The parties will also collaborate on Sample Analysis Reporting through which CentoCloud will streamline genetic sample analysis and reporting using NGS devices, ensuring standardised data interpretation.
Access to the Centogene Biodatabank will enable C-Path researchers to analyse patient data, facilitating correlation of genetic findings with clinical outcomes. Joint Cobranding efforts on the other hand, will showcase the collaboration’s capabilities in leveraging RWD and genetic data to advance LD research and development.
C-Path critical path for lysosomal diseases (CPLD) consortium scientific director Krista Casazza said: “This partnership with CENTOGENE will enable us to combine our expertise and resources to overcome significant barriers in LD research and drug development.”
