BC Platforms supports FinnGen program to tap unique gene pool to find the next breakthroughs in disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - Dec 19, 2017 - BC Platforms, a world leader in genomic data management and analysis solutions, announces co-operation with FinnGen program. FinnGen is a unique study that has been launched in Finland. Program will deepen our understanding about the origins of diseases and their treatment. The FinnGen study plans to tap into 500 000 unique blood samples collected by a nation-wide network of Finnish biobanks. The study is expected to continue for six years, securing funding of 59M€.

BC Platforms is one of the technology vendors in the project and also financed by Tekes (the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, a part of Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy). With this funding BC Platforms has developed a data availability query, meta-analytics and analysis result browsing platform for FinnGen´s research use. All queries are based on aggregate data only. With this platform, researchers can search for subjects with wanted clinical and genomic profile, perform and browse initial analyses, and propose separate research projects to FinnGen. In addition, BC Platforms contributes to clinical end-point design process by providing database solution for browsing and managing end-point definitions, integrated to the main technology platform.

Tero Silvola, CEO of BC Platforms, commented; “Finland is one of the global front runners in utilizing genomics and clinical data within the healthcare system as well as the research. FinnGen is a very unique initiative as a similar study has not been performed before. Because of the heritage of the Finnish population, our genome data can be analysed faster and more effectively than in populations of more heterogenous origins - significantly improving the chances of breakthrough findings. We are very proud if our technology can be used in this discovery work during the coming years.”

The goals of the study are ambitious. ”All breakthroughs that arise from the project will eventually benefit health care systems and patients both locally and globally. The study will, for instance, help us find new areas for drug discovery and ways to prevent disease. The FinnGen study will most definitely have a positive impact on the attractiveness of Finland as a global pioneer for medical research and innovation,” says Research Director Aarno Palotie, from the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM) at the University of Helsinki.

FinnGen is coordinated by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Central Hospital. FinnGen is a national research project that can benefit everyone - both nationally and globally. All Finns can take part in the study by giving a biobank consent allowing the use of their samples. 

About BC Platforms

BC Platforms is a world leader in providing powerful genomic data management and analysis solutions. Our high performing genomic data management platform enables flexible data integration, secure analysis and interpretation of molecular and clinical information. BC Platforms' vision is to revolutionize decision making in drug development to bring clinical benefits to patients.  Founded in 1997 from an MIT Whitehead project spinoff, the Company has a strong scientific heritage underpinned by 20 years of working in close collaboration with a network of leading researchers, developers, manufacturers and vendors.  BC Platforms has global operations with its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, research and development located in Helsinki, Finland, and sales and marketing based in London, Boston, and Vancouver. For more information, please visit www.bcplatforms.com or follow us on Twitter @BCPlatforms.