Hexagen

Hexagen was a pioneering genomics company based in Cambridge, UK, that specialized in the discovery and analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Founded in 1996, the company developed high-throughput genotyping technologies to identify the genetic determinants of common complex diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Hexagen's platform aimed to bridge the gap between genomics and drug discovery by providing high-resolution genetic maps and identifying novel therapeutic targets. The company was a key player in the early genomics era, focusing on the genetic basis of polygenic diseases rather than rare single-gene disorders. In 1998, Hexagen was acquired by Incyte Pharmaceuticals for approximately $91 million in stock, integrating its genetics expertise into Incyte's broader genomic database and drug discovery efforts.