CAMBRIDGE, U.K.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 14, 2000--Gemini Genomics (NASDAQ: GMNI - news), the clinical genomics company, today announced that in collaboration with Large Scale Biology Corporation (NASDAQ: LSBC - news), they have successfully isolated in excess of 70 proteins associated with the development of major chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The proteins were discovered as part of a multi-disease alliance between the two companies formed in February 1999, utilizing Gemini's extensive collection of human clinical samples in conjunction with LSBC's highly industrialized proteomics technology.
These proteins could further aid in the potential development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics in the identified disease areas. The discoveries have also formed the basis of a patent filing covering possible applications in all the above areas.
Patrick Kleyn, PhD, Gemini's Chief Scientific Officer, said ``All common diseases have both environmental and genetic components. This study focused on the serum proteins of rare identical twin pairs that were discordant for key clinical measures underlying specific, age-related diseases. In this case, Gemini was able to exploit its cohort of identical twin pairs. Identical twins share the same genes so that any differences in serum proteins would be due to environmental factors, principally those related to the disease itself.''
Dr. Paul Kelly, Gemini's President and Chief Executive Officer, said ``We are very pleased to announce this significant milestone in our alliance with Large Scale Biology. Secreted proteins are the basis of major and growing therapeutic and diagnostic markets and these discoveries place Gemini firmly at the forefront of efforts in target discovery and validation. These breakthroughs have been made possible through Gemini's ability to work with world-class technology partners such as Large Scale Biology and further demonstrate how Gemini can leverage its clinical and scientific resources not only in genomics but also in related fields such as proteomics.''
The collaboration between Gemini Genomics and Large Scale Biology Corporation was formed in February 1999 to analyze blood serum samples from identical twins for proteins that were associated with age-related diseases and that may have therapeutic or diagnostic applications. Serum proteins are attractive targets for therapeutic and diagnostic product development. Proteins such as insulin, growth hormone and erythropoietin form the basis of some of the most clinically and commercially significant therapeutic products on the market.
LSBC is a leader in proteomics and functional genomics, working with life sciences partners to greatly improve the speed and productivity of life sciences discovery and product development programs. The Company's offices are headquartered in Vacaville, California with proteomic facilities in Rockville, Maryland and bioprocessing and manufacturing facilities in Owensboro, Kentucky. Further information on LSBC can be found on the Company's website, lsbc.com.
Gemini is a unique clinical genomics company focused on the discovery of novel gene based targets that offer maximum potential for the development of therapeutics or diagnostics by the pharmaceutical and health care industries. Gemini's approach integrates comprehensive clinical data and detailed genetic information from a wide range of human population groups, including twins, disease affected families, isolated (founder) populations and drug trial subjects. By investing in leading edge bioinformatics technologies, Gemini is able to effectively apply these resources to the acceleration of disease gene identification, target discovery, and drug development. For more information about Gemini Genomics, visit the company's website, gemini-genomics.com. |
