SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Libraria, Inc. and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) today announced the discovery of several novel chemotypes that inhibit an important kinase target in a successful proof-of-concept study, utilizing Libraria's next generation predictive technologies. The study combined Libraria's Kinase KnowledgeBase and eScreens with GNF's high-quality chemical and bioactivity information to rapidly transition from known chemistries to new chemical space.
"The fact that we were successful in identifying completely novel chemotypes is scientifically significant," said Dr. Peter Schultz, Institute Director at GNF. "The efficiencies discovered in this collaboration with Libraria resulted in faster and more accurate prediction of kinase inhibitors, and the approach should be applicable and scaleable for other kinase targets of interest to the biopharmaceutical industry."
"We were impressed that the computer models could assimilate the necessary rules to jump from known chemistries into new chemical space," commented Dr. Steve Muskal, Libraria Vice President of Informatics. "This activity is becoming increasingly difficult for scientists due to the tremendous amount of data involved. Libraria's technology provides new opportunities for both kinase experts as well as newcomers to the field, as it is easily integrated into existing drug discovery platforms."
"Having our technology externally validated by GNF is an important scientific achievement," said Dr. Peter Myers, Chief Executive Officer of Libraria. "This study, combined with our internal kinase inhibitor program, now provides Libraria with several successful proof-of-concepts in the past few months. Libraria is well positioned to leverage its Kinase KnowledgeBase and eScreen predictive technologies to efficiently assist pharmaceutical and biotech partners with the discovery of potent and patentable kinase inhibitors."
About Libraria, Inc.
Libraria, Inc. (www.libraria.com) is a drug discovery technology and development company that uses advanced empirical and computational techniques to discover novel small-molecules that can be transformed into orally-available drugs. Libraria's technology has the potential to significantly reduce the chemistry phase of small molecule drug discovery by leveraging known molecular structure, protocol, and bioactivity data in new patent-pending ways.
Libraria is financed by leading life science and information technology entrepreneurs, including Dr. Alejandro Zaffaroni, Bill Joy, and Andy Bechtolsheim. Dr. Zaffaroni has a worldwide reputation for repeatedly identifying next generation technologies and nurturing them into significant business opportunities. Libraria is based in San Jose, California.
About the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF)
Founded in 1999, the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) houses over 200 scientists and engineers who are revolutionizing experimental science in the postgenomic era. The Institute is funded through the Novartis Research Foundation as a research center with freedom to conduct independent research. Scientists at GNF pursue groundbreaking research and publish papers that represent fundamental advances in their fields. The Institute is developing advanced technologies ranging from cellular genomics and proteomics to combinatorial chemistry and structural biology. The spectrum of technologies developed at GNF enables scientists to study thousands of genes/proteins each day, accelerating the discovery process and dramatically enhancing the insights that can be obtained. In addition to technology development and basic biomedical research, GNF is focused on developing treatments for a host of human disorders, including neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases and cancer. GNF maintains a close relationship with Novartis Pharma, engaging in collaborative projects to expand technological innovation and accelerate the drug discovery process. Collaborations with academic groups and biotech firms are also strongly encouraged. In addition to its unparalleled internal resources, GNF is located in close proximity to the Scripps Research Institute, the Salk Institute, the Burnham Institute and the University of California, San Diego. |
