BC Platforms, a world leader in genomic data management and analytics, has announced that it has formed a partnership with Qatar Biobank. BC Platforms will provide a Research Collaboration Management System (RCMS) and Researchers’ Portal for Qatar Biobank to support the integration of genomic and phenotypic samples, enable secure and streamlined data access, and optimize resource quality and utilization.
BC Platforms, founded in 1997 from an MIT Whitehead project spinoff, is in the business of powerful genomic data management and analysis solutions. The company operates a Global Network of Biobanks known as BCRQUEST.COM, a streamlined solution for secure data sharing, analytics and governance, enabling greater collaboration for scientific innovation.
BC Platforms has global operations with its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, research and development in Helsinki, Finland, and sales and marketing in London, Boston, and Vancouver. The company’s vision is to build the world’s leading analytics platform for healthcare and industry by 2020.
Qatar Biobank, a long-term health initiative, was launched by Qatar in 2010 to reduce the number of chronic illnesses in the population and improve the health of future generations through medical research on the causes of prevalent illnesses.
This is done by gathering and storing biological samples and information on the health and lifestyle of Qatar’s people. During the pilot phase, which concluded in February 2016, Qatar Biobank received the expert support of scientists from Imperial College London, UK and is ISO certified.
Qatar Biobank has incubated Qatar Genome Programme (QGP), which is a national initiative aiming to map the genome of the local population. QGP uses a collection of samples and data from Qatar Biobank participants to identify genotype-phenotype associations relevant to the Qatari population.
“As the Qatar National Research Strategy strives to improve the health and well-being of Qatar’s population, scientific research collaborations enabled by Qatar Biobank are the key to impacting the future of personalised healthcare in Qatar and the region.”
“We are delighted to partner with BC Platforms to access their multi-omics technology capabilities to leverage our data for research and ultimately to bring benefits to patients. Through our efforts, we will enable researchers to discover how the health and genetics of Qatar’s population are affected by their lifestyle and environment.” – Dr. Nahla Afifi, Director of Qatar Biobank
“One of the big focus areas in technology related development work is associated with available capabilities to analyse all different types of data together. Qatar Biobank is a globally unique resource and is considered to be one of the leading personalised medicine programs globally. We are delighted to support Qatar Biobank in achieving its goals in biomedical research both regionally and globally.” – Tero Silvola, CEO of BC Platforms
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