BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2002-- Surface Logix, Inc., and Ancora Pharmaceuticals today announced that they have been jointly awarded a three-year, $6.9 million grant by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Advanced Technology Program (NIST-ATP). Surface Logix and Ancora will use the funding to develop novel carbohydrate-based assays, solid-phase synthesis and surface-based detection methodologies applicable to drug discovery. Carbohydrates are present in every human cell, and yet have proved difficult for researchers to study because of their complex structure.
"We are delighted to have been awarded this funding," said Carmichael Roberts, Ph.D., President of Surface Logix. "By combining our customized, rapid assay development and micro-fabrication techniques with Ancora's capabilities in carbohydrate synthesis and biology, we believe we can develop powerful new methods aimed at bringing carbohydrate-based drug discovery into the mainstream," said Dr. Roberts.
"The field of glycobiology has been grossly under-exploited in the drug discovery arena because of the daunting technical hurdles presented by carbohydrate synthesis," stated John Pena, Ph.D., General Manager of Ancora Pharmaceuticals. "Ancora has already developed methods to accurately synthesize carbohydrates; now the techniques need to be refined, standardized and scaled-up for practical application in the laboratory. We are delighted to work with Surface Logix to address the challenges in this field with significant support through the NIST program."
About Surface Logix
Surface Logix, Inc. is developing cellular and biochemical profiling platforms to promote the advancement of pre-clinical candidates by providing disease relevant information. The SLx Platform mimics the natural environment of cells and proteins by integrating cell biology with soft lithography and surface chemistry. Surface Logix is applying its SLx Platform to diseases of inflammation, oncology and for ADMET profiling, through both strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and through internal drug discovery programs.
For business development information, please contact Chi-Chi Zhu at (617) 746-8520 or czhu@surfacelogix.com. For information pertaining to this press release, please contact Jennifer Wang at (617) 746-8521 or jwang@surfacelogix.com.
About Ancora Pharmaceuticals
Ancora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is utilizing revolutionary carbohydrate synthesis and biology technology to establish the leading carbohydrate-centered drug discovery platform. The proprietary technology addresses the most difficult challenge in the field of glycobiology -- the production of chemically defined carbohydrates. Ancora's novel therapeutics will target disease categories impacted by carbohydrates including infectious disease, inflammation, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, and cancer.
For business development information, please contact John Pena at (617) 354-0863 or jpena@ancorapharma.com.
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