SomaLogic’s SomaScan® Assay used in largest proteomic study to date, bridging the gap between genomics and disease

Rhea-AI Summary

On December 9, 2021, SomaLogic (NASDAQ: SLGC) announced a groundbreaking study in Nature Genetics. Researchers utilized SomaLogic's SomaScan Assay to analyze blood proteins from 35,559 Icelanders, correlating them with 27 million genetic variants. This extensive analysis yielded over 257,490 genetic associations, with 94% of proteins showing related pQTLs, presenting potential drug targets and a roadmap for understanding diseases more deeply.

Positive

• The study utilized the SomaScan Assay, showcasing its ability to measure a vast percentage of the human proteome.
• Identified over 257,490 genetic associations with 373 diseases, indicating a robust dataset for future research.
• Established 938 genes as potential drug targets, enhancing drug development opportunities.

Negative

• None.

BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a new study published in Nature Genetics, scientists at deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, used SomaLogic’s (NASDAQ: SLGC) SomaScan Assay to measure blood proteins in 35,559 Icelanders and mapped them to 27 million genetic sequence variants. Using this vast amount of proteomic data, these researchers hope to demonstrate that combining protein measurements at population scale with genetic data on disease will dramatically impact understanding of human diseases and potential drug targets. This new study was the largest proteomic study published to date with 170 million protein measurements.

Less than 10% of human disease is driven by genetics. Plasma proteomics, the study of blood proteins, can help bridge the gap between genomics and disease discovery. This paper found that linking genes to proteins, and then to diseases can show patterns between the factors that cause a disease and the factors that are a consequence of a disease. This process may give a roadmap of how diseases develop and offer potential drug targets.

In this study, the plasma levels of 4,719 blood proteins were tested for genetic associations with 373 diseases and traits, producing 257,490 of these associations. SomaLogic’s SomaScan Assay was used to find genetic variant-protein target associations, called protein quantitative trail loci or pQTLs. In the study, 94% of the proteins measured using the SomaScan Assay showed an associated pQTL, resulting in more than 18,000 pQTLs. Ninety-three percent of these pQTLs are considered novel. The study also identified 938 genes encoding as potential protein drug targets for various diseases.

“Our SomaScan Assay offers the ability to measure and identify the largest percentage of the human proteome at commercial scale on the market today and it proved to be exquisitely specific in this study,” said SomaLogic Chief Executive Officer Roy Smythe, M.D. “We hope that this study, and more like it, will help to provide the vital information that can be added to genetic data to create a more comprehensive understanding of human biology, and increasingly power more effective treatments for human disease.”

About SomaLogic
SomaLogic (Nasdaq: SLGC) seeks to deliver precise, meaningful, and actionable health-management information that empowers individuals worldwide to continuously optimize their personal health and wellness throughout their lives. This essential information, to be provided through a global network of partners and users, is derived from SomaLogic’s personalized measurement of important changes in an individual’s proteins over time. For more information, visit www.somalogic.com and follow @somalogic on Twitter.

Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to the proposed business combination between SomaLogic and CM Life Sciences II and otherwise, including statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the business combination, the anticipated timing of the business combination, expansion plans, projected future results and market opportunities of SomaLogic. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements do not guarantee future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including factors which are beyond SomaLogic’s or CM Life Sciences II’s control. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the CM Life Sciences II’s registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-256127) (the “Registration Statement”) and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus included therein. These filings identify and address important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and SomaLogic and CM Life Sciences II assume no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither SomaLogic nor CM Life Sciences II gives any assurance that either SomaLogic or CM Life Sciences II or the combined company will achieve its expectations.

SomaLogic Contact        
Emilia Costales                
720-798-5054
ecostales@somalogic.com

Investor Contact
Lynn Lewis or Marissa Bych
Gilmartin Group LLC
investors@somalogic.com

FAQ

What is the significance of the SomaLogic study published in Nature Genetics?

The SomaLogic study analyzed blood proteins from 35,559 individuals, mapping genetic variants to diseases, and identified over 257,490 associations, highlighting potential new drug targets.

How many proteins were measured in the SomaLogic study?

The study measured plasma levels of 4,719 blood proteins, achieving the largest proteomic analysis published to date.

What were the results of SomaLogic's SomaScan Assay in the study?

The SomaScan Assay yielded over 18,000 pQTLs, with 93% considered novel, demonstrating its effectiveness in linking proteins to genetic data.

What potential outcomes does the SomaLogic study imply for drug development?

The study identified 938 genes encoding potential protein drug targets, offering pathways for new treatments based on robust genetic associations.

What is the impact of the SomaLogic study on understanding human diseases?

By linking proteins to genetic data and diseases, the study offers a roadmap for understanding disease development, potentially leading to more effective treatments.