LONDON - Gemini Research Ltd., a genomics company focused on twins studies, agreed to an exclusive collaboration with gene sequencing specialist, Celera Genomics, of Rockville, Md., to work on age-related diseases.

The collaboration will bring together Gemini's ability to identify regions of the genome that appear to harbor genes associated with particular diseases, and Celera's sequencing expertise to speed the identification of genes and genetic polymorphisms associated with common, chronic age-related diseases.

Paul Kelly, CEO of Cambridge-based Gemini, said, "By combining our own strengths with those of Celera and other partners, we expect to dramatically accelerate the discovery of disease-associated genes, enabling the delivery of key therapeutic and diagnostic targets."

The research will focus on loci already identified by Gemini. Both parties will jointly nominate traits and loci for research. The partners intend to commercialize the jointly owned results through licensing, and expect to secure milestones and royalties from licensees.

Celera, which is owned by PE Corp., was set up by genomics pioneer Craig Venter just over a year ago with the goal of becoming the leading provider of genomics data. Upon its founding the company said it intended to complete the sequencing of the human genome in three years.