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BACKGROUND

Personalised OMIC Lattice for Advanced Research and Improving Strati�cation (POLARIS) is a collaboration between A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and SingHealth. It is an initiative within the scope of personalised medicine, which aims to deliver better patient outcomes through research.

POLARIS utilises Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to conduct tests. This is a fundamentally di�erent approach to sequencing and has the ability to trigger ground-breaking discoveries. POLARIS has successfully developed a clinical assay for corneal dystrophy that is currently o�ered to patients. Gastrointestinal and lung cancer panels are also in development stages.

Platforms in POLARIS will cover genomics initially and possibly transcriptomics, as well as epigenomics and metabolomics at a later stage. The programme aims to translate novel discoveries by local and SingHealth research institutions into clinically validated clinical assays.

KEY OBJECTIVES

Develop a translation laboratory and next generation sequencing abilities for a range of cancer related and metabolic diseases.

CORE STRENGTHS

Experience and expertise in developing laboratory assays and standards; particularly for somatic and germline mutations.

Familiarity using histopathological diagnostic materials for oncologic tests.

Sequencing abilities and access to a range of platforms, especially for next generation sequencing.

A range of platforms that now include ION Personal Genome Machine (PGM) and Illumina MiSeq sequencers.

RESEARCH INTERESTS AND COLLABORATIONS

We have started molecular pro�ling on a research basis for oncologic samples, with a view to support ongoing, new and early phase trials. This is in collaboration with National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), led by Dr Daniel Tan.

NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS

We have successfully validated and launched a genetic eye test. This is in collaboration with Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), GIS and Molecular Diagnosis Centre National University Hospital Singapore (MDC NUHS).

Research areas include molecular pro�ling of cancers and germline screening for a range of cancer syndromes and metabolic diseases.

Collaborations are aimed at assay development validation, for preclinical and early phase trials testing assays to support grant application.

Other aims include validation and commercialisation of test assays.

Sample collection process

The content is correct at the time of printing.©2015 SingHealth O�ce of Research. All rights reserved.

POLARIS at SingHealth

20 College Road,The Academia, Discovery Tower, Level 10Singapore 169856

Email: polaris@singhealth.com.sg or lim.kiat.hon@gmail.com

CLINICAL DIRECTOR’S BIO

Assoc. Prof Tony Lim is Clinical Director of Personalised OMIC Lattice for Advanced Research and Improving Strati�cation (POLARIS) at SingHealth; and a Senior Consultant at the Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital. He has a special interest in Liver and Gastrointestinal Pathology and is keen in teaching and education. He is also involved with numerous liver and gastrointestinal research projects.