Boston-based Veritas Genetics has set up an R&D center in China's Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Area aimed at genomic screening and testing product development for an Asian population.

The company received $10 million in backing from Lilly Asia Venture in May and last month received a CE mark to conduct BRCA gene testing for the likelihood of inheriting breast and ovarian cancer in Europe, building on its myBRCA test sequences the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes to detect deleterious variants with next-generation sequencing technology. Veritas launched myBRCA in North America in May.

Veritas is determined to develop products that address the unique genetic variants which are common in Asian populations, and are making a significant commitment to bring Veritas Genetics' technology to Asia. One focus for Asian testing, according to the release, is inherited blood disorder alpha thalassemia that is more prevalent in Asian populations, the release said.

Earlier this month, U.S.-based Agena Bioscience has setup a subsidiary in Shanghai aimed at genomic testing laboratories in mainland China for its MassARRAY Systems with 60 installed on-country to date, according to a press release. In June, China's State Council said the country aims to take a lead in DNA sequencing, noting in a news release that regulators take an active attitude toward progress in the field.