Sorry for the esoterica, JH. I'm no genomics expert but I'll give it a try. SBH, sequencing by hybridization, refers to a method of DNA sequencing (which Hyseq supposedly patented) where you use small labelled oligos of known sequence as probes on cDNA microarrays. The probes are every possible 5mer, so you get a certain pattern of hybridization signal for each cDNA. This signal pattern represents a fingerprint ("signature") that will be unique to each cDNA. An algorithm is then used to analyze the signature and assemble the complete sequence.
Its a neat idea with powerful applications since it seems to be very quick and accurate. Apparently AFFX also liked the idea since they are using a similar method to analyze sequences. HYSQ filed suit against them and as far as I know its still pending. However, AFFX was just awarded a patent on a computer program that assembles hybridized signals into contiguous sequence. I think this might have made HYSQ's claim moot since AFFX then counter-sued for patent infringement. I don't know the current status of this never-ending legal quagmire and that was one of the reasons I started this post topic. Needless to say, I couldn't agree with you more about the cross-licensing.
My interest in HYSQ also stems from their CD39 holdings.
They announced last month that they are trying to develop a CD39-based (ectoapyrase) thrombosis therapy, as they acquired rights to development from Imperial Cancer Research in January 1999. They must have pulled out a soluble isoform in one of their screens. CD39 is a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and recruitment to wounds. I am familiar with the animal data on sCD39 (published in J of Clin Invest. 1998) and it is promising in terms of solubility, recombinant version's activity in vitro, in vivo half-life and non-toxicity (all in mice). Although this is all pre-clinical data, interest in CD39 has been keen and the market for such a product is obviously huge, so I'm keeping my eye out for clinical studies which are sure to get underway soon. |
