Perkin Elmer announced a collaboration with George Mason University and two high profile scientists formerly in the federal government. PerkinElmer announced a five-year research agreement to develop a new and innovative approach for cancer detection and risk stratification. Scientists from both organizations will work together on the design of several new types of clinical assay platforms that utilize both the amino acid identification of a protein fragment and its specific mass to identify the biomarker. Areas of focused research include Stage I lung, ovarian and breast cancers. “For improved patient outcomes, new diagnostics are needed,” said Robert F. Friel, president, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences. “We are excited to provide technology that enables proteomic researchers to identify new biomarkers that may be able to detect cancer earlier. Collaborating with George Mason University’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine provides an excellent opportunity to combine the superior technology of PerkinElmer and the systems biology research approach of this great institution.” The alliance initially calls for the creation of a new proteomics technology to accurately measure and detect specific protein fragments found in human blood, which are potential biomarkers for disease. The alliance builds on a recent discovery by George Mason University researchers, Emanuel Petricoin and Lance Liotta, of an archive of protein fragments in human blood.