Date: Jun 01, 2006 Source: www.thefreelibrary.com (
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Landmark Integration of Molecular Data and Biosimulation to Develop Cancer Therapeutics
DALLAS, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Murex Pharmaceuticals (Murex) today announced its joint agreement with Gene Network Sciences (GNS) to develop cancer therapeutics. Murex, a Dallas-based pharmaceutical company, will utilize technology from GNS to create computer-based models that enhance identification and validation of cancer targets.
These computer models identify genes unique to an individual's malignancy. Murex identifies key alterations in cancer cells that dictate malignant growth. GNS technology is integral in predicting which pathways are most significant in a patient's cancer. Murex then designs shRNA based vaccines to stop the cancer growth.
"We are very pleased to formalize our joint development agreement with Gene Network Sciences," said David Shanahan, president and CEO of Murex Pharmaceuticals. "Together, we have proven the value of this technology and now move to integrate GNS into our development systems. We further expect that utilization of these 'in silico' inference models will enhance both the safety and efficacy of our products."
Murex Pharmaceuticals develops individualized cancer therapies using proprietary molecular analytics. The integration of GNS technology, which uses computer models to study cancer therapies, brings unique insight to the complex interactions of these cellular processes.
"This marks the first time that biosimulation will be integral to the synthesis of therapies for cancer patients based on their individual gene expression data," said Colin Hill, CEO of Gene Network Sciences.
GNS scientists will work directly with Murex teams at Murex research and development facilities located in Dallas and Carrollton, Texas.
About Murex Pharmaceuticals:
Murex Pharmaceuticals is a privately held biotechnology company dedicated to developing cancer therapies based on an individual's tumor biology. The company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with research and development efforts underway at labs in Boston, Carrollton, Texas, and San Francisco.
About Gene Network Sciences:
Founded in 2000, GNS creates cell and organ-level computer models able to simulate the clinical performance of drugs and drug candidates. By predicting how and why specific compounds impact human biology, GNS helps pharmaceutical companies improve clinical trial success rates and bring safer, more effective drugs to market.
Contact:
Kathryn Goldstein
Levenson & Brinker Public Relations
kathryn.goldstein@levensonbrinkerpr.com
214-932-6066 direct
Debbie Pfeifer
Gene Network Sciences
debbie@gnsbiotech.com
206-282-5098
CONTACT: Kathryn Goldstein of Levenson & Brinker Public Relations, +1-214-932-6066, or kathryn.goldstein@levensonbrinkerpr.com , for Murex Pharmaceuticals; or Debbie Pfeifer of Gene Network Sciences, +1-206-282-5098, or debbie@gnsbiotech.com
