Coimbra Genomics and BGI Join Forces to Conquer Stomach Cancer

China's genomics powerhouse BGI and Portugal-based start-up Coimbra have announced the initiation of a joint project to unravel the genetic basis of gastric cancer. With an initial budget of over $900k, the project will be one of the first large-scale genomic studies this field, and will involve experts from the IPATIMUP, a leading cancer research institute based in Oporto, Portugal, with a particularly strong track-record on gastric cancer.

"This collaboration forges new ties between BGI and Coimbra Genomics to share and exchange knowledge and research ideas. We expect our join efforts can yield more breakthroughs for better conquering stomach cancer." said Yuan Liu, Europe business development director of BGI Tech, one of BGI's affiliates. "We strongly encourage more European researchers to join us in our efforts to further accelerate the genomic applications in human health, agriculture, bio-energy as well as other innovative research."

Coimbra Genomics CEO and co-founder Nuno Arantes-Oliveira added, "We are delighted to engage with BGI in this pioneering project and hope it becomes a great example of Sino-EU research collaboration to produce excellent science and, above all, to pave the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for serious diseases."

With almost one million new cases every year, gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer. The disease is particularly common in East and Southeast Asia, as well as in Latin America and parts of Eastern and Southern Europe. The genetic basis of the disease is still poorly understood; early diagnosis is difficult and there is great need for effective treatments.