Showing posts with label Genome Express. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genome Express. Show all posts

Tuesday, 7 March 2006

Clinical Data Acquires Genome Express to Enhance European Expansion

Acquisition Strengthens Clinical Data's Global Leadership Position in the Pharmacogenomics and Molecular Services Markets

Broadens European Footprint for Cogenics and PGxHealth and Provides Significantly Enhanced Base of Operations for Strategic Growth in the Region


NEWTON, Mass. — March 7, 2006 — Clinical Data, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDA), a worldwide leader in providing comprehensive molecular and pharmacogenomics services as well as clinical diagnostics to improve patient care, announced today that it has purchased GENOME expressTM, a leading French genomics services company based in the Rhône-Alpes region of France with headquarters in Meylan, France.

Under terms of the Agreement, GENOME express shareholders received total consideration of €2.65 million euros (approximately $3.16 million). Of this amount, €200,000 euros (approximately $238,000) is being paid in cash and the remainder is being paid through the issuance of 123,179 shares of Clinical Data common stock. In connection with the transaction, Clinical Data has agreed to file a registration statement with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission to register the shares issued in the transaction. Accordingly, this press release does not and will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of Clinical Data. GENOME express retained Bioscience Managers Limited as their exclusive advisor for the transaction.

Clinical Data President and CEO Israel M. Stein, M.D., said, "GENOME express is a leading genomics services company. In France, GENOME express is unsurpassed in the scope and breadth of its platform and its capacity for proprietary genomics, transcription, and proteomics analysis as well as its biocomputing backbone. The company has substantial operations and a strong track record of providing value to European and international pharmaceutical companies and biotechs. The services offered by GENOME express are very complementary and additive to those currently being provided by Clinical Data's CogenicsTM division. This transaction should also be accretive to earnings over the relatively near term."

"From both a financial and product perspective, and in terms of GENOME express’ geographic reach and client base of over 2000 active customers, this acquisition provides Clinical Data with an ideal opportunity to support additional European initiatives. Expansion beyond our present U.K. operations, where we already have a substantial presence, and into Europe by leveraging GENOME express assets and capabilities, provides the core strategic rationale for this transaction."

GENOME express CEO Warren Barton, said, "We welcome the opportunity to become a part of Clinical Data. We see this transaction as the initial phase of a strategic opportunity to jointly capitalize on the huge growth potential in genomics and related services in Europe. As a combined company, we anticipate building a substantial competitive advantage driven by the ability to offer the most comprehensive suite of genomics services to clients."


About GENOME express (www.genome-express.com)
In business since 1994, GENOME express specializes in DNA analysis for customers in human and animal healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and academic research. DNA contains the genetic code of living species and contains the key to understanding living organisms. GENOME express offers a team of experts, proprietary technologies, and an optimized process that together form a unique molecular biology and bioinformatics platform.

Using its DNA sequencing core business expertise, GENOME express has developed services and high value added solutions that allow its customers to interpret the data generated quickly and efficiently.

Analysis and identification services include:
— DNA sequencing
— Food ingredient specification
— Bacterial identification

GENOME express also offers custom solutions including an R&D outsourcing facility covering many areas of molecular biology, such as genomic exploration and identification of new markers.

To assist customers in conforming to European regulatory directives, GENOME express provides a range of services dedicated to identifying the content and origin of food through DNA analysis. These services include the detection of allergens or biological contaminants and address the needs of large-scale distribution chains and the agri-food industry. GENOME express is also the exclusive Applied Biosystems Advanced Gene Expression Service Provider, under this program, for France.

About Clinical Data, Inc. (www.clda.com)
Clinical Data, Inc. is a worldwide leader in providing comprehensive molecular and pharmacogenomics services as well as clinical diagnostics to improve patient care. Clinical Data’s Therapeutic DiagnosticsTM division, PGxHealth, builds upon existing assets acquired from Genaissance Pharmaceuticals in the areas of genomics-based, clinical diagnostics, therapeutic efficacy and safety biomarker development for drug utilization. PGxHealth plans to develop and introduce novel Therapeutic Diagnostics in combination with new and existing therapeutics. Clinical Data’s Pharmacogenomics and Molecular ServicesTM division, Cogenics, consolidates the operations of Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Lark Technologies, Inc. and Icoria, Inc., each acquired during 2005. Cogenics provides a comprehensive range of molecular and pharmacogenomics services to pharmaceutical, biotech, academia, agricultural, and government clients. These services are offered in both research and regulated environments and have applications across the lifecycle of pharmaceutical product development, including pharmacovigilance requirements post launch. Clinical Data’s Vital Diagnostics division consolidates the operations of Clinical Data Sales & Service, Inc., Vital Scientific NV, Vital Diagnostics Pty. Ltd., and Electa Lab s.r.l. This division serves the clinical laboratory in the traditional in-vitro diagnostics market worldwide with a focus on the physician's office, hospital and small-to-medium sized laboratory segments. With customers in approximately 100 countries, Vital Diagnostics has achieved a leading market share for instruments and reagents sold into moderately complex physicians’ office laboratories within the United States.

Source: Cogenics
[Read more!]

Friday, 4 March 2005

Genome Express signs agreement with bioMérieux

Leading in vitro diagnostics firm outsources bacteriological analysis projects to GENOME express

Grenoble, March 4, 2005 — GENOME express, specialist in DNA analysis, announces today that it has agreed with bioMérieux, a global leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for medical and industrial applications to carry out a series of specific bacterial analyses for bioMérieux.


bioMérieux selected GENOME express for this work because the DNA analysis specialist offers a unique analysis platform that combines molecular biology (wet lab) expertise with bioinformatics know-how, and allows the company to carry out highly complex bacteriological analysis. Another key factor was GENOME express's ability to process a high volume of samples on a routine basis.

The identification of molecules is based on fully automated phylogenic analysis of marker genes which are compared to a sequence database maintained by GENOME express. bioMérieux will be able to access the results remotely using a customer portal developed, hosted and maintained by GENOME express fully compatible with Oracle. The application not only offers easy access to results but also allows bioMérieux to manage sequence and identity data from its library of bacterial strains. This means that bioMérieux and GENOME express are able to use a production line approach to identifying and bacterial strains that are difficult to identify using traditional approaches.

"Identifying complex strains of bacteria is a natural outlet for GENOME express's know-how in DNA analysis for industry," says Warren Barton, CEO of GENOME express. "At the same time as focusing on our core business — making DNA 'talk' — we have also extended our range of services to cover food identification services for the agri-food sector."


About GENOME express
In business since 1994, GENOME express specializes in DNA analysis for customers in human and animal healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and academic research. DNA contains the genetic code of living species and contains the key to understanding living organisms. GENOME express offers a team of experts, proprietary technologies, and an optimized process that together form a unique molecular biology and bioinformatics platform.

Using its DNA sequencing core business expertise, GENOME express has developed services and high value added solutions that allow its customers to interpret the data generated quickly and efficiently.

Analysis and identification services include:
— DNA sequencing
— Food ingredient specification
— Bacterial identification

GENOME express also offers custom solutions including an R&D outsourcing facility covering many areas of molecular biology, such as genomic exploration and identification of new markers.

To assist customers in conforming to European regulatory directives, GENOME express provides a range of services dedicated to identifying the content and origin of food through DNA analysis. These services include the detection of allergens or biological contaminants, and address the needs of large scale distribution chains and the agri-food industry.

About bioMérieux
bioMérieux is a leading international diagnostics group that specialises in the field of in vitro diagnostics for clinical and industrial applications. bioMérieux designs, develops, manufactures and markets systems (i.e. reagents, instruments and software) used in:

Clinical applications: the diagnosis of infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis and respiratory illnesses, as well as pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, based on the analysis of biological samples (such as blood, saliva or urine); and

Industrial applications: the microbiological analysis of food, environments (such as water and air), surfaces and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, based on the analysis of product or environmental samples.

In 2004, bioMérieux sales reached 930.6 million euros. The company is present in more than 130 countries through 33 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors, which positions the company well to benefit from the growth potential of the in vitro diagnostics market. Some important drivers that underpin this growth are aging populations and age-related illness, illnesses related to life-style and eating habits, emerging new pathogens, the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the fight against bio-terrorism, the recognition of the importance of the quality of food products.

bioMérieux is listed on the Premier Marché of Euronext, Paris (FR0010096479 — BIM).

Source: Genome Express
[Read more!]

Tuesday, 12 October 2004

Genome Express launches Gextrack, for food identification through DNA analysis

Grenoble, France, October 12 2004 — GENOME express, the DNA analysis specialist, announces today "Gextrack", a new range of services in the field of food identification. The launch coincides with the International Food Exhibition, SIAL (Salon International de l'Alimentation), October 17-21 in Paris. In bringing Gextrack to market, GENOME express has leveraged its expertise in molecular biology to provide the food industry with an answer to complying with European regulations on traceability, monitoring and conformity of products.

Gextrack is based on the analysis of DNA and uses patents from academic laboratories based in Lyon (CNRS, UCBL, ENS). The DNA molecule has the great advantage of being unique for each individual living organism and species. It also resists changes through the different stages of transformation of a product. These include mixture, cooking, freezing and canning. Analysis of the DNA therefore allows precise identification and analysis of the different components present in a food product, whether it is a fresh or a processed product.

Gextrack can provide solutions for the different consumer information regulations requiring product labelling such as GMOs, allergenic ingredients traceability, authentication of products. These include:

— Authentication of the product (example: Is this fish fillet really sole?) — Analysis of food product ingredients (example: Does this duck foie gras only contain duck?)
— Detection of allergens (example: Are there traces of nuts in this cereal bar?)
— Monitoring feed ingredients (example: This feed does not contain any products of animal origin)
— Detection of GM ingredients
— The presence or absence of an ingredient in a processed product (example: This dish does not contain any pork)

"Gextrack will be of enormous value to the agri-food industry and large distribution chains," says Franck Robert, Head of the Gextrack project at GENOME express. "At GENOME express, we say we can make DNA 'talk' and Gextrack shows how it is possible to use the genetic code, unique for each individual organism, whether it's of animal or vegetable origin, to distinguish, identify and analyse the different species present in a food product, whether it is in its raw state or processed."

"GENOME express now has ten years' experience as a DNA specialist and is the leading private DNA sequencing specialist for research. This unique experience of DNA analysis allows us to offer this new range of service," says Warren Barton, GENOME express' CEO. "Gextrack's main targets are the agri-food industry and food retailers, but can also provide an effective solution for any sector with a need for DNA identification."

Visit GENOME express at SIAL in Paris (Villepinte) October 17-21
Hall 5A Stand F 046



About GENOME express
In business since 1994, GENOME express specializes in DNA analysis for customers in human and animal healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and academic research. DNA contains the genetic code of living species and contains the key to understanding living organisms. GENOME express offers a team of experts, proprietary technologies and an optimised process that together form a unique molecular biology and bioinformatics platform. Using its DNA sequencing core business expertise, GENOME express has developed services and high value added solutions that allow its customers to interpret the generated data quickly and efficiently.

Analysis and identification services include:
  • DNA sequencing
  • Food ingredient specification
  • Bacterial identification


  • GENOME express also offers custom solutions including an R&D outsourcing facility covering molecular biology and bioinformatics, such as genomic exploration and identification of new markers, Š

    To assist customers in conforming to European regulatory directives, GENOME express provides a range of services dedicated to identifying the content and origin of food through DNA analysis. These services include the detection of allergenic ingredients or other contaminants (GMOs, Š), and address the needs of the food industry.

    For further information: www.genome-express.com

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]

    Friday, 24 September 2004

    Genome Express offers 10,000 free sequences to mark 10 years in DNA sequence analysis business

    Grenoble, 24 September 2004 — GENOME express, leading provider of DNA sequencing services to the French market, announced today that it is offering 10,000 free sequences, the equivalent of five bacterial genomes, in a prize-draw open to all public and private sector researchers worldwide. Those wishing to try their luck should go to GENOME express's website www.genome-express.com from 15 October 2004.

    GENOME express, founded in 1994, specializes in DNA analysis for customers in human and animal healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and academic research. It offers a team of experts, proprietary technologies, and an optimized process that together form a unique molecular biology and bioinformatics platform.

    "GENOME express has built upon standard sequencing tools to develop a production-level sequencing platform that brings significant added value to our customers," said François Pons, director of business development at GENOME express. "Ten years of accumulated know-how and development activity have gone into our bioinformatics and other proprietary tools. We don't just offer raw data to our customers but relevant and reliable information. We like to say that we 'can help make DNA talk' for our customers."

    "To celebrate our ten years in business, and to let people try for themselves, we are offering 10,000 sequences in a prize draw that will take place in December," he added.

    Today several thousand customers use GENOME express services. Daily capacity has risen by two orders of magnitude and annual sequence data production is roughly equivalent to one third of the human genome.

    In addition to the DNA sequencing activities, GENOME express provides solutions to complex challenges in the fields of comparative genomics and transcriptomics, food identification, particularly the identification of allergens.

    The company expects to have ISO 9001-2000 certification in December this year.

    "We are proud to have already achieved 10 years in business, an impressive record for a biotechnology company," said Warren Barton, CEO of GENOME express. "Our business is built on solid foundations with significant sales growth for 2004. We expect to continue growing, building on our core activity of DNA analysis to develop exciting new products and services in food identification/analysis."


    About GENOME express
    In business since 1994, GENOME express specialises in DNA analysis for customers in human and animal healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agri-food and academic research. It offers a team of experts, proprietary technologies, and an optimised process that together form a unique molecular biology and bioinformatics platform.

    Using its DNA sequencing core business expertise, GENOME express has developed services and high value added solutions that allow its customers to interpret the data generated quickly and efficiently.

    GENOME express also offers custom solutions including an R&D outsourcing facility covering many areas of molecular biology, such as genomic exploration, identification of new markers and bacterial identification.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]

    Tuesday, 27 July 2004

    Genome Express and Institut Pasteur sign partnership agreement

    Institut Pasteur accord underscores added value of GENOME express's functional genomics platform for research teams in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrifood sectors


    Grenoble, France, July 27 2004 — GENOME express, developer and provider of high added value solutions in functional genomics, announces today that it has signed a partnership agreement with the Institut Pasteur. Under the terms of the agreement, the Institut Pasteur will be able to access the range of tools available on GENOME express's functional genomics platform, in particular in the field of bacterial genomics, under favorable conditions. The agreement applies to Pasteur's internal research programs. Financial terms are undisclosed.

    For GENOME express, the deal means a highly credible endorsement of its technology platform, particularly in the fields of microbiology, as well as making the platform a widely used tool by scientists throughout the Institut Pasteur. The agreement also allows for future co-development of products and services that bring together Pasteur's biology expertise and GENOME express's technology platform for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agrifood industry customers.

    The Institut Pasteur will benefit from the tools and technical know-how of GENOME express and the special access terms granted by GENOME express. Building on its knowledge and experience of sequencing and bioinformatics, GENOME express has developed and is now marketing proprietary methods in the field of genomics and comparative transcriptomics. These methods allow academic or industry customers to accelerate their research processes in areas such as the discovery of new molecular diagnostic markers, strain identification, identification of new targets, and adopting appropriate vaccine strategies.

    "Institut Pasteur enjoys an international reputation for its work in microbiology and infectious diseases, and this agreement is an impressive endorsement of our technology platform," said Warren Barton, chairman and CEO of GENOME express. "It illustrates our commitment to providing real, significant and competitive benefits to our customers and helping them to optimize the value chain in the discovery process."

    "We have already achieved useful research results by using GENOME express tools, in particular in the field of comparative genomics related to molecular epidemiology," said Stewart Cole, director of the Institut Pasteur Genopole. "This agreement opens up for us a range of new possibilities using GENOME express's expertise."


    About GENOME express
    GENOME express, Grenoble, France, is a leading provider of DNA sequencing services and also develops and markets a range of high value-added solutions for functional genomics. The company offers a unique platform that integrates innovative and proprietary tools for genomics, comparative transcriptomics (gene expression analysis). These tools are linked to an advanced bioinformatics platform comprising GenoStar for bacterial genomic exploration, Syn-QuenceTM for the discovery and identification of SNPs, and PepMap for the identification of proteins via the genomic mapping of mass spectrometry data. Building on its success and experience as a service provider, GENOME express is currently making its platform accessible to private sector researchers and academics. This will be done through partnerships with customers in the diagnostics, pharmaceutical and veterinary sectors enabling them to outsource their R&D projects either in part or totally.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]

    Tuesday, 25 February 2003

    New laboratory system at Genome Express brings speed, flexibility and improved cost performance to DNA sequencing

    Grenoble, France, February 25, 2003 — GENOME express, the developer of high value-added solutions for functional genomics and target discovery has installed new sophisticated high performance hardware and software in its laboratories to ensure it continues to offer its clients the best and most cost-effective approaches to target discovery and validation, the company announced today. The new equipment is the Zymark Sciclone ALH, an Advanced Liquid Handling workstation that speeds up laboratory research by automating liquid handling and microplate management.

    "The acquisition and installation of the Sciclone is part of our continuous policy of providing an internationally-competitive platform for the benefit of our customers and partners," said Jean-François Mouret, Chief Technical Officer at GENOME express. "The Sciclone brings speed and increases the flexibility in our sequencing and fragment analysis process from DNA template to purified and ready to load DNA products."

    The Sciclone ALH is a high precision, easy-to-use instrument that performs a host of functions that previously required several separate devices. The new system will bring benefits to GENOME express customers and partners in many of the wide range of activities offered by the company. For example, GENOME express has recently launched a major new technology called DACS (Discriminative Analysis of Clone Signature). GENOME express is initially using DACS for the study of gene expression, but the company will also use it far more widely in genomics generally. "Examples include genome sequencing finishing and structural differential genome analysis," said Mouret. "All these applications will take advantage of the throughput, reproducibility and traceability provided by the Sciclone workstation. Our clients will save time and money directly from being able to access this technology."

    "We are delighted to have GENOME express among the international users of the Sciclone," said Kevin Hrusovsky CEO at Zymark. "Coupled with the company's know-how in functional genomics, it will help give them a competitive edge in this burgeoning market."

    It supplies eight-channel independent Z-axis probes, "on-the-fly" interchangeable 96 and 384 arrays, a compact 20-position deck, bulk dispensing capabilities and a unique design that offers effortless integration with other devices from all four sides of the system. The Sciclone ALH uses Zymark's CLARATM software to ensure evolving laboratory requirements are completed with as little effort as possible.


    About Zymark
    Zymark is a leading provider of automation solutions serving the worldwide life science, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The company has introduced new automation paradigms that have empowered scientists to raise laboratory research to a new, more industrialized level. With these advances, Zymark has firmly established itself as a solutions provider with a single-minded goal of streamlining the entire drug discovery pipeline. Zymark provides direct sales, service and applications support throughout the world and hosts the annual ISLAR conference on laboratory automation. For more information about Zymark Corporation and its products, visit www.zymark.com

    About DACS
    DACS (Discriminative Analysis of Clone Signature) is the new proprietary technology provided by GENOME express. The technology, based on EST sequencing reduces cost while offering the same advantages. DACS marks only one nucleotide of the four composing DNA — A, C, G, T — and includes a capillary multiplex sequencing thus offering high-throughput (1536 samples per run). A patented signal analysis technology applied on sequencing results discriminates identical clones from the different ones, thus allowing the discovery of genes expressed.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    About GENOME express
    GENOME express, Grenoble, France, develops and markets high value-added solutions for functional genomics. The company offers a unique platform that integrates proprietary tools for genomics (discovery and identification of SNPs — Syn-QuenceTM), transcriptomics (gene expression analysis), and proteomics (identification of proteins using genome mapping of mass spectrometry data — Pep MapTM). Building on its success and experience as a service provider, GENOME express is currently making its platform accessible to private sector researchers and academics in the biopharmaceutical sector. This will be done through partnerships and enable GENOME express customers to outsource their R&D projects either in part or totally. The company is also developing its own research to discover new targets for therapeutic or diagnostic applications in the fields of metabolic diseases such as diabetes or obesity, the central nervous system and bacterial genomics.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]

    Friday, 15 November 2002

    Genome express increases focus on integrated collaborative high throughput services and solutions

    Company moves to strengthen position as link in partners' R&D value chain

    Grenoble, France, November 15, 2002 - GENOME express, the developer of high value-added solutions for functional genomics and target discovery and validation, announces today that it is increasing its focus on integrated high throughput services and solutions for pharmaceutical, biotech and agri-food industries.

    The company has already implemented a number of measures to support this strategy. These include the transfer of its oligonucleotide activity to Qbiogene, a Canadian company that develops and markets molecular biology and genomics products, and the recent launch of its proprietary Discriminative Analysis of Clone Signatures (DACSTM) technology, a solution focusing on the discovery process of tissue- or cell-expressed genes.

    "Remaining competitive and profitable in oligonucleotide activities would have demanded significant investment," said Yves Laurent, CEO of GENOME express. "We decided it would also be a distraction from our higher added value activities where we are engaged in the development and collaborative deployment of our unique integrated platform (genomics, gene profiling and proteomics, bioinformatics) to address real needs."

    The recent launch of its Discriminative Analysis of Clone Signatures (DACS) technology is a good illustration of GENOME express' commitment to providing solutions offering real advantages to its customers and partners.

    "In the fast-moving field of exploratory genomics, GENOME express intends to stay in the forefront of high value-added services," added Laurent. "Our new GE-DACS solution eliminates bottlenecks in the discovery process of genes expressed in tissue or in a cell and reduces the expense and time needed to generate resources and information for the expression analysis of these genes."

    Future investments and collaborations will reinforce its already powerful in-house technology platforms and the company will continue to build a business that brings tangible, significant benefits to its customers. "We expect to make further exciting announcements that will show how GENOME express brings unique competitive advantages to its customers," concluded Laurent.


    About GENOME express
    GENOME express, Grenoble, France, develops and markets high value-added solutions for functional genomics. The company offers a unique platform that integrates proprietary tools for genomics (discovery and identification of SNPs — Syn-QuenceTM), transcriptomics (gene expression analysis), and proteomics (identification of proteins using genome mapping of mass spectrometry data — Pep MapTM). Building on its success and experience as a service provider, GENOME express is currently making its platform accessible to private sector researchers and academics in the biopharmaceutical sector. This will be done through partnerships and enable GENOME express customers to outsource their R&D projects either in part or totally. The company is also developing its own research to discover new targets for therapeutic or diagnostic applications in the fields of metabolic diseases such as diabetes or obesity, the central nervous system and bacterial genomics.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]

    Wednesday, 23 October 2002

    Genome express launches proprietary technology to speed up gene discovery

    DACS (Discriminative Analysis of Clone Signatures) cuts cost of creating improved genomic resources and simplifies gene expression analysis

    Grenoble, France, October 23, 2002 - GENOME express, the developer of high value-added solutions for functional genomics and target discovery and validation, announces today the availability of its new proprietary technology, DACS.

    The first application of this innovative technology is GE-DACSTM (Gene Expression DACS). GE-DACSTM eliminates bottlenecks in the discovery process of genes expressed in tissue or in a cell. Unlike existing processes, which are both complicated and costly, DACS reduces the expense and time needed to generate resources and information for the expression analysis of these genes. These resources are mainly PCR products that are "ready-to-spot" for an analysis tool such as micro-arrays. Micro-arrays have become an essential tool in the study of complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer and obesity.

    DACS thus provides a significant breakthrough compared with other processes such as SAGE1. DACS not only speeds up the discovery process but also facilitates expression analysis without the need to access data relating to the organism in question (genomic sequence or EST2 sequences).

    Furthermore, as it is built on the generation of complementary DNA clones, DACS ensures these biological resources are kept intact, and a link to the information produced is established for each clone. If, during the discovery process, researchers suspect the implication of a particular gene in a disease, they can access the initial biological resource and begin an in-depth analysis.

    The simplicity of the process means that for the first time, experiments can be reproduced with ease. This is crucial for differential expression analysis, for example gene expression in a normal cell compared to a cancerous cell.

    While the first application of DACS is for the study of gene expression, this technology developed by GENOME express can be applied far more widely for use in genomics. Examples include genome sequencing finishing and structural differential genome analysis.

    "GE-DACSTM enriches our technology portfolio with the addition of high-throughput differential expression analysis," said Yves Laurent, CEO of GENOME express. "DACS is proof of GENOME express' ability to develop innovative proprietary tools linking molecular biology to bioinformatics."

    1 — SAGE - Serial Analysis of Gene Expression
    2 — EST - Expressed Sequence Tag


    About DACS
    DACS (Discriminative Analysis of Clone Signature) is the new proprietary technology provided by GENOME express. The technology, based on EST sequencing reduces cost while offering the same advantages. DACS marks only one nucleotide of the four composing DNA — A, C, G, T — and includes a capillary multiplex sequencing thus offering high-throughput (1536 samples per run). A patented signal analysis technology applied on sequencing results discriminates identical clones from the different ones, thus allowing the discovery of genes expressed.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    About GENOME express
    GENOME express, Grenoble, France, develops and markets high value-added solutions for functional genomics. The company offers a unique platform that integrates proprietary tools for genomics (discovery and identification of SNPs — Syn-QuenceTM), transcriptomics (gene expression analysis), and proteomics (identification of proteins using genome mapping of mass spectrometry data — Pep MapTM). Building on its success and experience as a service provider, GENOME express is currently making its platform accessible to private sector researchers and academics in the biopharmaceutical sector. This will be done through partnerships and enable GENOME express customers to outsource their R&D projects either in part or totally. The company is also developing its own research to discover new targets for therapeutic or diagnostic applications in the fields of metabolic diseases such as diabetes or obesity, the central nervous system and bacterial genomics.

    For further information: http://www.genomex.com

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]

    Monday, 23 September 2002

    Genome express appoints François Pons as new business development manager

    Functional genomics company will benefit from François Pons' pharma and biotech experience in creating and managing scientific and industry collaborations

    Grenoble, France, September 23, 2002 - GENOME express, the developer of high value-added solutions for functional genomics, announces today the appointment of François Pons as Director of Business Development.

    Before taking up this appointment with GENOME express, Pons acquired eight years' high-level experience in the industry. He was Director of business development and scientific communication at the Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre, in Saint Julien en Genevois, on the French side of the border between France and Switzerland. At Pierre Fabre, Pons was closely involved in the negotiation of a number of partnerships and licensing agreements, as well as the setting up and management of research consortia in immunotherapy for cancer and infectious diseases. He was also active in managing investment projects. He originally joined Pierre Fabre as biotechnology licensing manager after a period in strategic marketing with Baxter Healthcare France. His academic qualifications include a master's degree in biochemistry and microbiology (Marseille-Luminy), a diploma in food biotechnology and industry (ENSAIA, Nancy, a French school of agronomy and food industry), and a master's in industrial engineering and management of technological innovation (École Centrale, Paris).

    François Pons comes to GENOME express during a period of intensive development. He is responsible for relations with both industry and research establishments and will develop collaborative and partnership alliances with these bodies. His overall mission is to promote GENOME express's integrated genomics and proteomics platform.

    "GENOME express is at the stage where it needs to market its know-how in a more targeted and personalized way," said Yves Laurent, CEO of GENOME express. "François Pons brings the skills and experience required for this new phase. He possesses a combination of salesmanship, experience in negotiating and setting up contracts, and understanding of the scientific and pharmaceutical industry environments. This, together with his sheer enthusiasm, will make him one of the key players in the success of GENOME express. We are truly pleased to have him on board."

    "I am looking forward to working with the GENOME express team in a vital, fast-growing field," said François Pons. "The company has demonstrated considerable quality throughout its existence and the excellent team has made the right scientific and industry choices, positioning itself in the functional genomics space. These are all good reasons why I want to make my contribution to the company's future success."


    About GENOME express
    GENOME express, Grenoble, France, develops and markets high value-added solutions for functional genomics. Its expertise covers a variety of disciplines including microbiology (library manufacturing), molecular biology (high throughput sequencing) and bioinformatics (proprietary software). Under development are an integrated genomics and proteomics platform designed to enable GENOME express to engage in proprietary target discovery. Siparex Ventures was lead banker for the fund-raising with co-lead Sud Partners (Sudinnova's fund management arm). Other investors were 3i, the original institutional investor, the Compagnie Financière Edmond de Rothschild, Aquasourça, SPEF Venture and Biotek Partenaires. Since the 12.4&nbps;million euro financing round, the company has received a further million euro grant from France's innovation agency, Anvar. GENOME express is one of the four members of the Genostar consortium, a bioinformatics platform for exploratory genomics that offers a unified way of representing biological knowledge.

    Source: Genome Express
    [Read more!]