DeCode Locates Gene Linked to Arthritis

DeCode Genetics Inc. scientists mapped a gene linked to rheumatoid arthritis, a step that could aid development of medicines and diagnostic tests.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about one out of 100 people in the industrialized world, DeCode and partner Roche Holding said. The debilitating disease strikes women more often than men.

The finding triggers an undisclosed payment to DeCode from Roche under a 1998 agreement, the companies said. Roche has two alliances with DeCode worth a combined $500 million to develop diagnostic tests and find genes linked to 12 major diseases.

DeCode shares rose $1.85, or 23%, to $9.90 on Nasdaq.