As promised:
Large Scale Biology Announces Assembly of the Human Protein Index Database, HPI v1.0; Historic First Version
of the Human Proteome
January 04, 2001 07:34:00 AM ET
VACAVILLE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Jan. 4, 2000--Large Scale Biology Corporation LSBC announced
today that it accomplished a major milestone in post-genomic medicine by completing the first version of its
proprietary human proteome database, the Human Protein Index(TM) v1.0 (HPI(TM) v1.0). The HPI v1.0
inventories proteins occurring in all the major human tissues, and LSBC expects to use the HPI in the discovery of
diagnostics, drugs and drug targets.
"With the completion of the HPI v1.0, we now have a comprehensive process for analyzing the proteins encoded
by human genes," stated Robert Erwin, CEO of LSBC. "Diseases are caused by changes in proteins that are not
always predictable by gene analysis alone, and we believe HPI v1.0 provides an important new baseline for
determining the roles of both genes and proteins in health and disease. We expect the protein discoveries for
medical applications enabled by HPI v1.0 to drive a major shift in pharmaceutical research and development from
genes to proteins, a trend that is favorable for LSBC, a long-term leader in proteomics and the development of
technology for personalized medicine."
"The HPI v1.0 gives us a first look at the protein components of all the major tissues of the human body. Our initial
analysis of the HPI has turned up new candidate diagnostic markers of tissue damage, as well as fascinating insights
into the differences between tissues, for example, in different regions of the brain. We believe that over the long
term, the HPI provides a unique foundation for our ongoing investigations of specific diseases", added Leigh
Anderson, President of LSBC's proteomics subsidiary where the work was carried out.
The HPI v1.0 database contains quantitative measurements of protein amounts obtained using LSBC's proprietary
ProGEx(TM) proteomics platform. In the first assembly phase combination, a set of 157 separate, medically
relevant tissue databases yielded a total of 115,693 proteins. Based on results of protein characterization obtained
in LSBC's high-throughput mass spectrometry facility, the Company estimates that the HPI currently covers the
protein products of 18,000 human genes. Recent estimates of the total number of human genes place this number
between 28,000 and 120,000.
Future versions of the HPI are expected to expand the database substantially to include tissues from additional
donors. In addition, analysis of individual cell types and subcellular fractions will provide information on
lower-abundance proteins. LSBC uses the HPI as the nucleus for the Molecular Anatomy and Pathology (MAP)
database, in which diseased tissues are compared against normal to find pathology-related proteins.
LSBC plans to discuss the HPI and its commercial implications at the Chase H&Q Healthcare Conference in San
Francisco on January 9. A review of the events leading up to the completion of HPI v1.0 is planned for publication
in the first issue of the journal Proteomics, on January 18, 2001.
LSBC is an industry leader in identifying and characterizing proteins in all types of biological samples for the
discovery and development of new and more effective disease diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and agricultural
products. LSBC has pioneered the development and application of many of the tools that are now considered
state-of-the-art in genomics and proteomics. Corporate offices and the genomics and antigenics divisions are
headquartered in Vacaville, California, and LSBC's proteomics subsidiary is located in Rockville and Germantown,
Maryland. LSBC's bioprocessing and protein manufacturing facilities are located in Owensboro, Kentucky. For
more information about LSBC, visit the Company's website at www.lsbc.com.
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current plans, expectations, estimates, and
projections and management's beliefs about our future performance. Words such as "anticipates," "expects,"
"intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended
to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are
subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and which may cause our actual results and
performance to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in any such forward-looking statements. For a
further list and description of such risks and uncertainties see the reports filed by LSBC with the Securities
Exchange Commission. Unless required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any
forward-looking statements.
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