Thursday August 10, 2:21 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Motorola, Inc.
Motorola and Iconix Establish Partnership to
Accelerate Development Of Chemical Genomic Database
NORTHBROOK, Ill. and MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Motorola's BioChip Systems unit and
Iconix Pharmaceuticals today announced that they have entered into a strategic relationship to enable the creation of a
next-generation chemical genomic database. The partnership includes a multiyear agreement under which Iconix will validate the
beta release of Motorola's new CodeLink(TM) Expression System and then become one of the first high volume users of the
system. As part of the relationship, Motorola has made an equity investment in Iconix and received rights to distribute the
resulting Iconix ChemExpress(TM) database as a part of future BioChip System solutions.
Iconix's ChemExpress product is a large-scale database that connects gene expression profiles, chemicals and biological
activities within a flexible informatics system. Motorola's CodeLink Expression System will be capable of simultaneously
monitoring the activity of thousands of genes in a given tissue sample. This system is comprised of bioarrays, instrumentation,
reagents and software. Integrating data generated from Motorola's CodeLink Expression Bioarrays in to Iconix's
first-of-its-kind database brings scientists conducting microarray experiments closer to understanding their results in the context
of specific molecular interactions between chemicals and the proteome (the set of all expressed proteins in an organism).
Motorola is the first company to offer complete bioarray solutions suitable for large-scale projects such as this.
``The use of Motorola's CodeLink Expression Bioarrays will be an important foundation technology for the expansion of
Iconix's unique database product,'' said Keith Bostian, Iconix President and CEO. ``We carefully reviewed potential partners
and chose Motorola because we believe they will emerge as the leader in the application of genomics to medicine. The
relationship between our companies represents an important link between the wealth of information resulting from the Human
Genome Project and the process of drug discovery and development.''
``Iconix is an expert in applying genomics to drug discovery and lead compound profiling, which is the focus of one of our first
bioarray products,'' stated Nicholas Naclerio, Vice President and General Manager of Motorola BioChip Systems. ``Iconix's
ChemExpress database will enable research scientists to discover and develop novel drugs more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Our equity investment in Iconix is consistent with our strategy of investing in companies pioneering exciting new applications for
bioarray technologies, thus contributing to our mutual success.''
About Iconix
Iconix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a technology leader in the field of chemical genomics. Iconix's integrated platform technologies
allow pharmaceutical and biotechnology researchers to rapidly advance novel proteins and drug targets identified by genomic
studies into small-molecule drug discovery, diagnostic and other therapeutic programs. In addition to Motorola, Iconix
collaborates with other drug discovery and development companies, including Metabolex, Inc. in the field of Type II diabetes,
and Microcide, Inc. (Nasdaq: MCDE - news), Iconix's parent company and a shareholder, in the field of viral genomics. For
more information, visit Iconix at iconixpharm.com .
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - news), is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded
electronic solutions. Sales in 1999 were $33.1 billion. For more information, visit Motorola at motorola.com .
Motorola BioChip Systems was established in 1998 to develop products which enable the delivery of better healthcare through
the understanding and practical application of genomics. The business unit is currently developing a family of biochip products
and services for research and diagnostic applications. The products under development at Motorola BioChip Systems will
enable scientists and healthcare professionals to quickly and accurately analyze the DNA, RNA and proteins in living cells and
enable the delivery of more individualized healthcare.
Motorola and the Motorola logo are registered trademarks of Motorola Inc.
SOURCE: Motorola, Inc. |
