Silico Insights and Ashni Naturaceuticals Collaborate in Proteomics Research to Build Novel Drug Targets.Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers WOBURN, Mass. & SALT LAKE CITY--(BW HealthWire)--March 14, 2001 Proprietary Informatics Same as information technology and information systems. The term is more widely used in Europe. Platform to Identify Complex Correlations in Anti-Inflammatory Pathways Silico Insights Inc., a provider of innovative bioinformatics Using computers in biological research to analyze or predict the composition of molecules (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.) and model biologic systems. Bioinformatics is most prominent in the Human Genome Project, which has recorded the three billion chemical base pairs that make up the solutions and Ashni Naturaceuticals Wednesday announced a collaboration to apply informatics techniques to identify regulatory and post-translational pathways from genomics and proteomics data. Ashni plans to apply its patent-pending genomic genomic pertaining to a genome. genomic clone see clone. genomic DNA the DNA sequences making up the genome of an individual. genomic library see gene bank. BIOPrinting(TM) technology to characterize anti-inflammatory action of mixtures of natural compounds. Silico Insights will apply its proprietary informatics platform to establish dependencies and pathways from the complex research data using advanced computational Having to do with calculations. Something that is "highly computational" requires a large number of calculations. and visualization Using the computer to convert data into picture form. The most basic visualization is that of turning transaction data and summary information into charts and graphs. Visualization is used in computer-aided design (CAD) to render screen images into 3D models that can be viewed from all techniques. The two companies have filed a joint patent application. "This collaboration will not only result in Ashni developing superior, patent-protected products but will also build intellectual property with Silico Insights. "This patented technology will help biotech/pharmaceutical companies in their goal to accelerate drug discovery, diagnostic and therapeutic product development," emphasized Dr. Dinesh Patel, chairman/president/chief executive officer of Ashni Naturaceuticals. Post-genomics research based on the availability of human gene sequences focuses on studies of gene function, regulatory effects, protein-protein interactions Protein-protein interactions refer to the association of protein molecules and the study of these associations from the perspective of biochemistry, signal transduction and networks. The interactions between proteins are important for many biological functions. , and their role in drug discovery and disease treatment. Proteomics research promises the elucidation e·lu·ci·date v. e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing, e·lu·ci·dates v.tr. To make clear or plain, especially by explanation; clarify. v.intr. To give an explanation that serves to clarify. of regulatory pathways that can help design and optimize drug development. Mathematical techniques required for the analysis of post-genomic data will have to be sophisticated enough to address the complexity of data disparity dis·par·i·ty n. pl. dis·par·i·ties 1. The condition or fact of being unequal, as in age, rank, or degree; difference: "narrow the economic disparities among regions and industries" , multi-dimensionality of relationships and interdependent in·ter·de·pen·dent adj. Mutually dependent: "Today, the mission of one institution can be accomplished only by recognizing that it lives in an interdependent world with conflicts and overlapping interests" pathways. "The ability to rapidly identify genetic pathways A Genetic pathway is the set of interactions occurring between a group of genes who depend on each other's individual functions in order to make the aggregate function of the network available to the cell. and the means to regulate them using various natural compounds promise new ways to discover treatments for pain," explained Dr. John Babish, executive vice president of research at Ashni. "Integrating state-of-the-art informatics techniques from Silico Insights helps us decipher Same as decrypt. the complex data into meaningful high-value information with speed and accuracy," he added. By combining genomic and proteomic research with the study of natural compounds, Ashni will build compound libraries that identify drugs to effectively treat a variety of diseases with minimal side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. . Silico Insights' informatics platform specializes in establishing quantitative relationships in scientific data and integrating results from disparate data sources to create a comparative basis through the development pipeline. "We are well positioned to deliver solutions for the evolving post-genomics drug development industry," commented Dr. Nandan Padukone, president of Silico Insights. "Our informatics strategy is in sync with the promise of genomics -- better predictability of drug development and disease treatment resulting from a better understanding of drug behavior and from integration of the drug pipeline," stated Padukone. "We are excited about applying our platform to Ashni's research," added Dr. Christos Hatzis, co-founder and vice president, technology of Silico Insights, "particularly because post-translational behavior and effects of natural compounds add dimensions of complexity that provide unique opportunities to demonstrate the value of informatics." About Silico Insights Silico Insights Inc. is a provider of innovative Web-enabled informatics solutions that enable drug companies to extract comprehensive knowledge from complex drug data in hours instead of weeks or months. Powerful analytical approaches combined with interactive graphics allow researchers to identify and analyze drug profiles that maximize effectiveness, reduce development cost, and shorten product time to peak sales. Silico Insights Inc. is located in Woburn. For more information visit the Web site at www.silicoinsights.com or send e-mail to info@silicoinsights.com. About Ashni Naturaceuticals Ashni Naturaceuticals Inc., with its corporate offices in Salt Lake City, specializes in the research, development and marketing of clinically tested and patent-protected naturaceutical products. For more information visit the Web site at www.ashninatura.com or send e-mail to info@ashninatura.com. |
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