Centre for Genome Diagnostics

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The Centre for Genome Diagnostics (CGD) was established to co-develop genomic technologies for the nucleic acid-based therapeutics and diagnostics markets in collaboration with local enterprises. Working in close collaboration with Diagnostics Hub (DxDhub), CGD offers an integrated suite of services from assay design to optimisation, validation, verification and commercialisation. The work at CGD is conducted in fully regulated ISO13485-certified and CAP-accredited environments.

Customers of CGD come from A*STAR institutes, universities, local hospitals, SMEs and more.

Benefits of CGD include:

  • Filling the gap in customer laboratories’ R&D capabilities
  • Flexible entry points and output options to cater to differing needs of customers
  • Multiple “go/no-go” decision points
  • Broad range of expertise for varied needs
  • Access to wider A*STAR community
  • Extensive network to regulatory authorities

CGD consists of two arms: Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory (POLARIS) and Translational Diagnostics Laboratory.

Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory(POLARIS)

The Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory is the POLARIS CAP-accredited Laboratory at GIS. To pilot the application of clinical genomics in treating and diagnosing medical diseases, in 2013, the POLARIS (Personalized OMIC Lattice for Advanced Research and Improving Stratification) programme was established by A*STAR. Clinical grade NGS laboratories were established for patients in Singapore and the region to deliver next-generation clinical care based on precision medicine.

In partnership with the hospitals and local researchers, we have developed and launched tests which can provide specific actionable information to patients and doctors. For example, our eye test is able to advice if a patient contemplating corneal surgery should avoid the procedure as there could be a high risk of complications due to their genetic background. Another test is targeted at patients with certain leukemia or colon cancers, to identify if a particular type of drug would be more effective for their treatment.

Translational Diagnostics Laboratory

The Laboratory of Translational Diagnostics at GIS promotes the smooth transition from basic research to practical innovations. We are equipped with the most advanced technologies for research and development in genomics applications. The Laboratory of Translational Diagnostics was constructed in compliance with ISO 13485 and certified by TÜV Rheinland in December 2014. It was the first laboratory in GIS to achieve certification. This positioned us as a preferred partner for strategic collaborations with local and international stakeholders.