Diversa and Celera Genomics Announce Completion of Sequencing of Streptomyces diversa(TM) Genome
Companies Achieve First Milestone Under December Sequencing Agreement
SAN DIEGO, and ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Diversa Corporation (Nasdaq: DVSA) and Celera Genomics (NYSE: CRA), an Applera Corporation business, today announced the completion of the entire genome sequence of Streptomyces diversa. The companies completed the sequencing under the collaborative agreement signed in December of 2000. The availability of the genome sequence should enable faster discovery and development of novel molecules of pharmaceutical interest from Diversa's PathwayLibraries(TM).
Diversa's proprietary strain, Streptomyces diversa, belongs to an important group of microorganisms, the actinomycetes, that produce the majority of antibiotics used in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture, as well as immuno-suppressants, anti-parasitic agents, and herbicides. The availability of the genome sequence, together with the application of technologies permitting the global analysis of gene expression at both the RNA and protein levels, and the extensive array of tools available for the genetic manipulation of this organism, will enable Diversa to fully utilize S. diversa for the production of novel compounds of pharmaceutical interest.
Diversa's PathwayLibraries consist of collections of gene pathways from environmental sources that encode small molecule drug candidates. The recombinant libraries are generated directly from uncultivated microorganisms using Diversa's proprietary methods of extracting DNA from the environment, and by applying patented normalization methodologies. The gene pathways are introduced into S. diversa and screened at ultra high-throughput rates for novel activities of pharmaceutical interest. This patented approach accelerates natural drug discovery and allows Diversa to identify gene products from the over 99% of microbes that remain unexplored.
About Diversa Corporation
Diversa Corporation is a global leader in developing and applying proprietary technologies to discover and evolve novel genes and gene pathways from diverse environmental sources. Diversa is utilizing its fully integrated approach to develop novel enzymes and other biologically active compounds, such as small molecule drugs. Diversa's proprietary evolution technologies facilitate the optimization of genes found in nature to enable product solutions for the pharmaceutical, agricultural, chemical processing, and industrial markets. Within these broad markets, Diversa is targeting key multi-billion dollar market segments where Diversa believes its technologies and products will create high value and competitive advantages for strategic partners and customers. Diversa's strategic partners are market leaders and include Aventis Animal Nutrition S.A., Celanese Ltd., Celera Genomics, Danisco Cultor, The Dow Chemical Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc, IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Invitrogen Corporation, Syngenta (formerly Novartis) Agribusiness Biotechnology Research, Inc., and Syngenta (formerly Novartis) Seeds AG. Diversa has also formed joint ventures with The Dow Chemical Company (Innovase LLC) and with Syngenta Seeds AG (Zymetrics). Additional information is available at Diversa's website: www.diversa.com.
About Celera Genomics
Applera Corporation, formerly PE Corporation, comprises two operating groups. The Celera Genomics Group, headquartered in Rockville, MD, intends to be the definitive source of genomic and related medical information. Celera has developed three business units: the On-line Information Business, Discovery Sciences, and Discovery Services, all of which build upon Celera's generation, integration, and analysis of biological information. Celera intends to enable therapeutic discoveries both through its own application of its scientific capabilities and in partnership with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The Applied Biosystems Group (NYSE: ABI) develops and markets instrument-based systems, reagents, software, and contract services to the life science industry and research community. Customers use these tools to analyze nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and proteins in order to make scientific discoveries, develop new pharmaceuticals, and conduct standardized testing. Applied Biosystems is headquartered in Foster City, CA, and reported sales of $1.4 billion during fiscal 2000. Information about Applera Corporation, including reports and other information filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available on the World Wide Web at www.applera.com, or by telephoning 800.762.6923.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. These may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "estimated," and "potential," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Applera Corporation's current expectations. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe harbor, Applera Corporation notes that a variety of factors could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development, and results of Celera Genomics' businesses include but are not limited to (1) unproven use of genomics information to develop products; (2) intense competition in the evolving genomics industry; (3) dependence on customers in and subject to the risks of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; (4) dependence on the unique expertise of its scientific and management staff; (5) dependence on computer hardware, software, and internet applications; (6) access to biological materials; (7) legal, ethical, and social issues affecting demand for products; (8) government regulation of its products and services; and (9) other factors that might be described from time to time in Applera Corporation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" and involve a high degree of risk and uncertainty. These include statements related to the identification, discovery, and development of gene products and novel molecules, the speed of any such discovery and development, and the ability of Diversa to utilize S. diversa for production of novel compounds, all of which are prospective. Such statements are only predictions, and the actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences include, but are not limited to, risks involved with Diversa's new and uncertain technologies, risks associated with Diversa's dependence on patents and proprietary rights, risks associated with Diversa's protection and enforcement of its patents and proprietary rights, Diversa's dependence on existing collaborations, the development or availability of competitive products or technologies, and the future ability of Diversa to enter into and/or maintain collaboration and joint venture agreements. These factors and others are more fully described in Diversa's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, Diversa's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed as of December 16, 1999, as amended. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Diversa expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note: PathwayLibraries(TM), Streptomyces diversa(TM), and Diversa are U.S. trademarks of Diversa Corporation.
SOURCE Diversa Corporation
CO: Diversa Corporation; Celera Genomics; Applera Corporation; Applied Biosystems Group
ST: California, Maryland
IN: MTC BIO
SU:
02/21/2001 06:01 EST prnewswire.com |
