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Questar ties up with US genomics co

M. Somasekhar

HYDERABAD, July 10

QUESTAR Bioinformatics Ltd (QBL), the proteomics start-up from the drug major, Gland Pharma, has entered into a strategic alliance with AlphaGene Inc., the Woburn, Massachussets-based genomics company.

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, suitable cross-equity holdings are also part of the trans-border tie-up forged between the two privately-held corporate entities.

The partnership assumes significance in the background of the phenomenal advances in the field of genetics, following the mapping of the human genome and the consequent developments. The genetic diversity in human, plant and animal life in the country is perceived by experts to be an inherent strength in the potential developments.

Questar Bioinformatics will pursue development of functional proteomics (the understanding of the functions of specific proteins in the human body) on some of the promising leads already generated by AlphaGene, according to Mr C.S.N. Murthy, CEO of QBL.

AlphaGene has generated several leads in neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzhiemer's, which defy cure and cancers of the colon and breast. The company wants QBL to pursue these leads, use the latest research capabilities and take them to th e logical stage of a drug, diagnostic or method of treatment. The intellectual property thus generated would be shared equally, Mr Murthy told Business Line.

QBL will adopt a two-track strategy for pursuing the leads _deploy software expertise and proteomics researchers. For software, the company has selected partners to leverage strength. In proteomics, the company has signed a letter of understanding with t he Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad recently, Mr Murthy said.

In addition, the company will recruit researchers and give them the task of determining the protein structure, identification of specific markers and generate a library of information. Simultaneously, it will play an important role in enhancing the value of the intellectual property created by AlphaGene. ``We are also looking at creating a separate research facility for QBL in the next 3-4 months'', he said.

Mr Murthy said the companies would strive to accelerate the speed of development and bring the discoveries made to the market by complementing technology areas and reach. AlphaGene is a gene-content functional genomics company offering products and servi ces to the biotech and pharma companies engaged in drug discovery and development.

According to the President and CEO of AlphaGene, Mr Donald J. McCarren, ``The association would permit the company to access bioinformatic expertise in the creation of unique databases derived from differential gene expression of the total inventory Alph aGene has''.

QBL is also in the process of working in association with leading research laboratories in the country. Its focus of proteomics research pertains to specific projects in the area of multi drug resistance (MDR) in cancer.