Wrocław/ A letter of intent on the development of biotechnology and genomic profiling signed

Information on the signing of the letter of intent on cooperation for the development of biotechnology and genomic profiling in Poland has been sent to PAP. The cooperation will benefit Polish patients.

"Cooperation between PORT and Roche Polska is the first step towards the creation of genomic databases of cancer patients that will be open to Polish scientists. On December 10, 2018 in Wrocław, a letter of intent was signed on the cooperation of both partners in the development of biotechnology and genomic profiling in Poland" - reads the release sent to PAP.

According to the partners, public-private partnerships like the one established by PORT and Roche Polska that are among the main elements that can stimulate the economy and support the introduction of innovative solutions.

"They are also consistent with the Strategy for Responsible Development" - said Piotr Dardziński, secretary of state in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

"The development of today`s science is not possible without international cooperation. I am glad that Roche sees the potential and notices what is happening in Poland. We need a reliable partner to help us identify research projects and processes that should be developed, and problems in the area of biotechnology that should be solved. This cooperation is the best example of implementing the steps included in the Strategy for Responsible Development" - said Dardziński, quoted in the release.

In the letter of intent, the partners declare the exchange of experience in the field of working on new drugs, exchange of knowledge of the latest trends in biotechnology and bioinformatics, and the organization of research project selection processes.

"Biotechnology will be one of the elements that will shape our world`s future. Decision centres that determine the further development of our country - the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ministry of Enterprise and Technology - are fully aware of this fact, as is PORT. That is why it is one of the key pillars of our strategy. Cooperation with Roche Polska is a new experience that may affect the results of the work carried out in our centre, making us pioneers setting new directions of biotechnology development in Poland" - emphasized the PORT president Piotr Dytko, quoted in the release.

Cooperation between PORT and Roche Polska is the first step towards the creation of genomic databases of cancer patients, open to Polish scientists. Such databases will provide scientists with much more accurate information on gene sequences, facilitating the search for and identification of the genes and their mutations responsible for the formation and development of diseases. It is also a necessary tool for comparison and analysis, which can contribute to the development of new, more effective therapies for patients.

"Medicine has entered a new, groundbreaking stage of comprehensive genomic profiling. Patients now have access to more and more advanced, very effective treatments based on personalized medicine. We are not only a manufacturer of innovative medicines, but also a responsible partner of the Polish economy. Polish scientists have shown the world on many occasions that their ideas can change the paradigm of diseases affecting society. Thanks to cooperation with PORT, we are creating a new space for building modern solutions in Poland that will stimulate the Polish economy" - said Wiktor Janicki , Director General of Roche Polska.

PAP - Science in Poland, Roman Skiba

ros/ zan/ kap/

tr. RL