Guest guest Posted November 30, 2001 Report Share Posted November 30, 2001 Roche and Decode Map Rheumatoid Arthritis Gene ZURICH (Reuters Health) Nov 29 - Researchers studying Iceland's isolated genetic pool have identified a gene linked to rheumatoid arthritis that could represent a diagnostic and therapeutic target, the two companies running the project said on Thursday. Mapping the gene was the latest accomplishment by Iceland's deCODE genetics and Swiss group Roche Holding AG. "This marks a large step toward the development of molecular diagnostic tools that will improve the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as help recognize predisposition to the disease and enable the development of novel prevention regimes," the companies said in a statement. "Early recognition of disease will allow timely and more aggressive treatment that may minimize serious joint damage," deCODE and Roche noted. Hoping to uncover links between disease and genes, deCODE has been analyzing Iceland's unique composition, which experts say has remained stable since the Vikings arrived in the 9th and 10th centuries. In September, deCODE and Roche said they had mapped two genes linked to obesity and clinical anxiety. The companies have already made progress in turning gene discoveries into treatments for schizophrenia and atherosclerosis. Copyright © 2001 Reuters Ltd. For more information on Still's Disease please visit the International Still's Disease Foundation at http://www.stillsdisease.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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