Friday October 23, 6:48 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
RiboTargets Enters Into Strategic Collaboration With
MSI
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 1998--RiboTargets Ltd. and Molecular Simulations Inc. (MSI) announced the
start of a three-year strategic collaboration to develop software specific to both modeling of RNA Targets and design of RNA
targeted drugs.
''The collaboration with MSI is part of RiboTargets' commitment to a rational, target-based approach to drug discovery. The
development with MSI of software that is capable of working in the RNA environment will be of significant benefit to both
organizations,'' said Dr. Jonathon Karn, chief scientific officer at RiboTargets.
''This collaboration is particularly exciting given recent advances in antisense drugs,'' said Dr. Scott Kahn, director of Life
Science Product Marketing at MSI. ''RiboTargets is pioneering the exploitation of RNA targets and we are delighted to play a
role in extending simulation techniques to streamline their research,'' Kahn said.
RiboTargets is the world's first biopharmaceutical company exclusively focused on the development of drugs which bind to
RNA. The company, which announced its initial private placement of 7 million pounds ($11.5 million) in July 1997, is based in
Cambridge, UK, and has ongoing research programs in HIV, Hepatitis C, and the development of antibiotic compounds for the
treatment of infections by drug-resistant pathogens.
Molecular Simulations Inc. (http://www.msi.com), a subsidiary of Pharmacopeia Inc. (Nasdaq:PCOP - news), is a leading
provider of molecular modeling, simulation, and informatics software to the world's foremost research and development
facilities. Using MSI's innovative products, researchers can organize and analyze scientific data, share biological and chemical
information, and develop novel compounds, materials, and processes.
Founded in 1984, the company employs over 325 people, nearly half of whom are Ph.D. scientists. The company has
headquarters in San Diego. Major regional operations are in Cambridge, England, and Tokyo.
Contact:
Molecular Simulations Inc.
Brenda Pfeiffer, 619/546-5319 |
