Peachtree Corners Biotech Company Awarded Veterans Affairs Contract

AKESOgen, a Peachtree Corners biotech company, announced it has been awarded a $7.5-million contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the genotyping of veteran samples as part of the Million Veteran Program.

The company and the Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development made the announcement on Wednesday, March 5.

According to a press release from the City of Peachtree Corners, the MVP program is “one of the largest genetic initiatives to be undertaken in the U.S.,” and will establish a large database of genetic, military exposure, lifestyle and health information.

The data may lead to finding new methods of preventing and treating illnesses in veterans.

 “[The data] will provide new insights about how genes affect health," AKESOgen CEO Bob Boisjoli said in the release. "The goal is to improve health care for veterans by understanding the genetic basis of many common conditions."

“The company has been an excellent addition to Georgia’s progressive health science network, and they are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s scientific discoveries,” said Chris Carr, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development in the press release.

More on AKESOgen:

• In December, 2013, AKESOgen moved to Peachtree Corner, into a 13,727 square-foot facility located at 3155 Northwoods Place. The biotech company announced at that time that it expects to add 10 new employees in 2014.
• AKESOgen provides biomarker profiling and genomics services for the research and development market, including biobanking, DNA/RNA extraction, and genetic technologies. Founded in 2010, the company serves the clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic and government sectors.