Gentris

Gentris, founded in 2001 by Michael Murphy, operates as a specialized provider of pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing and biorepository services. The company was established to assist pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations in integrating pharmacogenomics into their drug development pipelines. This integration aims to bring safer and more effective compounds to the market more efficiently by understanding how an individual's genetic makeup affects their response to drugs.

The company's business model is centered on providing applied clinical pharmacogenomic services to clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Revenue is generated by offering a suite of services that includes assay development and validation, clinical sample logistics, and genomic biomarker services. These services help to identify genetic polymorphisms that can influence drug efficacy and adverse events. Gentris has served a significant client base, including five of the top ten biopharmaceutical companies globally, and has contributed to over 1,000 clinical trials.

Gentris offers a range of specific technical services. These include nucleic acid purification, various forms of genotyping, microarray analysis, toxicogenomics, qRT-PCR for gene expression analysis, and tumor mutation and expression profiling. The company also provides comprehensive biorepository services, featuring 24/7 sample tracking, global logistics, and storage under various conditions in a 21 CFR 11 compliant facility. In 2012, Gentris expanded its capabilities by adding several technology platforms to its GLP-compliant laboratory, including Affymetrix GCS3000, Sequenom MassArray, and LifeTech Ion Torrent technologies, to enhance the identification of polymorphisms and somatic mutations.

In July 2014, Gentris was acquired by Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI), a company specializing in DNA-based cancer diagnostics, for approximately $4.75 million plus potential performance-based earn outs. The acquisition was part of CGI's strategy to deepen its capabilities in personalized oncology treatment insights. Following the acquisition, Gentris's operations, including its facilities in North Carolina and Shanghai, were integrated into CGI, and its founder, Michael Murphy, joined the acquiring company. Subsequently, in March 2021, Cancer Genetics, Inc. merged with StemoniX and was rebranded as Vyant Bio, Inc.

Keywords: pharmacogenomics, biorepository services, genomic biomarker services, clinical research organization support, pharmaceutical services, drug development, genotyping, gene expression analysis, toxicogenomics, nucleic acid purification, microarray analysis, tumor mutation profiling, Cancer Genetics Inc., Vyant Bio, Michael Murphy, clinical trials, personalized medicine, drug response testing, assay development, biostorage