Thermo Fisher unveils biomarker research project

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. today announced an alliance with George Mason University in Virginia to do research on biomarkers.

Biomarkers are biochemical features that can signal the progression or risk of disease as well as the potential effectiveness of certain treatments, said Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Waltham company that provides services and instruments to such industries as life sciences.

A challenge in biomarker research has been "independent validation of experimental results," and the alliance between Thermo Fisher Scientific and the university's Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine seeks to address that challenge, the company said.

The research project will make use of Thermo Scientific Quantum Ultra triple quadrupole mass spectrometers to analyze assays, Thermo Fisher Scientific said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)