Our Research

Research is our driving mission at Coriell. We supply the global scientific community with the high quality cells and DNA needed to conduct  their research and offer our laboratory and biobanking expertise to researchers who require assistance processing, storing and distributing their samples.

We also conduct R&D in our research labs located in Camden, New Jersey. Here’s some of what we’re working on.

Camden Cancer Research Center

We have teamed up with Cooper University Health Care and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, two of our neighbors in Camden, New Jersey, to form the Camden Cancer Research Center. Scientists working in the CCRC are investigating the basic biology of cancer and translating that knowledge into new and improved therapeutics for patients. Theses partners have pledged an initial $30 million to fund this center over 10 years. 

Camden Opioid Research Initiative

At the end of 2018, we launched a multi-prong investigation into the underlying genetic and non-genetic factors that contribute to opioid use disorder. With our partners on this project – Cooper University Health Care and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University – we’re taking a personalized medicine approach to the disease in hopes we can better understand the factors which make up a person’s overall risk for developing the disease. We’re also building a collection of biological samples collected from individuals who have died from opioid-related overdose. These samples will be studied and made available to qualified researchers who are investigating the causes of opioid use disorder and addiction.

Epigenetics

Another major focus of our research is the field of epigenetics and how our epigenetic profiles affect the way we age and our risks for certain cancers. Our President and CEO, Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa, is a world recognized expert on the subject. He and his team of researchers are working to boost the effectiveness of cancer drugs through epigenetic therapy, exploring the role of the microbiome and how changes to its epigenetic profile can affect colorectal cancer risk, and more.

Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative

In 2008, we launched an ambitious study to determine the usefulness of genetic information in clinical care. This study – the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative, or CPMC – recruited thousands of volunteers who submitted their DNA and answered extensive questions about their family medical and lifestyle histories. In return, Coriell analyzed the genetic and non-genetic information provided by the participants and provided them with information about their risks for certain complex diseases, such as obesity or diabetes. A major goal of the study was to determine how participants respond to the genetic information that is shared with them.