Overview

GeneFormatics applies its integrated, “function first,” high-throughput proteomics platform, which combines in silico technologies (computational structure modeling technologies; proprietary Fuzzy Functional Form technology to assign structure-correlated function and identify active site and key amino acid residues; the Goldpan genome analysis tool to scan whole genomes) and then rationally allocate resources (NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and bioassays) to assign protein function and determine protein structure. This information is designed to allow pharmaceutical, biotechnology and agrochemical companies to accelerate the discovery of new medicines and other products.

This has yielded a database of proprietary information derived from entire proteomes, including several model organisms, as well as several pathogen proteomes. Customers can access the proteomics database with one-time purchases or on a subscription basis.

It has generated novel information about proteins in microbial and model proteomes, and is employing its technology platform to obtain information for potential drug targets in the human proteome

In January 2001, GeneFormatics and Structure Function Genomics LLC, of Princeton, N.J., merged. With this merger, GeneFormatics expected to be able to elucidate and validate protein function determinations in substantially less time.

Concurrent with the merger, GeneFormatics also completed a worldwide, exclusive commercial license agreement with Rutgers University for enabling technologies in the field of structural genomics. These technologies include advanced software for the rapid, automated analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data. Financial terms of the merger and the license agreement were not disclosed. GeneFormatics expected that by combining its in silico technology with high-throughput NMR technology, it would expand its ability to determine protein function and validate novel protein targets

Partners

Structural proteomics technology development: Bruker AXS Inc., Bruker BioSpin Corp. and Bruker Daltonics Inc.

Functional proteomics: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and Schering-Plough Corp.

Structural proteomics technology commercialization in Asia: Takara Shuzo Co. Ltd.

Data mining technology and sales and marketing in Japan: Rikei Corp.