VizX Labs and UW Scientists
Awarded Grant by WTC to Research
Technology to Improve Patient Outcomes
Seattle, WA -- January 2, 2003 -- The Washington Technology
Center (WTC) has awarded $150,000 over the course of two years
for a Research and Technology Development project jointly developed
by VizX Labs and Dr. Daniel Sabath of the University of Washington
which will employ VizX Labs GeneSifter™ software systems and Nanogen™
microarray equipment.
The goal of the project is to significantly improve patient
outcomes by making microarray technology widely useful in clinical
settings. The research will work to develop biological and software
methodology to allow highly reliable gene expression measurements
from quantities of genetic material typically available from patient
specimens. It is hoped that this technology will facilitate a
new era of personalized medicine.
"We are pleased to be marking the progress of our company with
the award of our first scientific grant," said J. Thomas Ranken,
VizX CEO. "Our company is thrilled to have a chance to collaborate
with Dr. Sabath and his colleagues on this important effort."
Improving the analysis of specimens at the genetic level could
improve outcomes in two ways. First, diagnosis of disease could
be made earlier and more accurately. Second, better understanding
of a patient's condition could lead to earlier and more precise
treatments.
These goals require the integration of both biotechnology and
information technology. "I am excited about the opportunity to
collaborate with VizX Labs," said Dr. Sabath. "They are providing
the software tools that we need to develop new genomics-based
diagnostic devices. These devices will help patients by allowing
us to provide more accurate diagnoses and more information about
possible treatments and outcomes."
"We will build upon the GeneSifter.Net technology that we have
already developed," said VizX CTO Bob Cottingham. "Features in
development for GeneSifter.Net, originally intended to assist
scientists in microarray experiment design, show early promise
of becoming part of a whole new technology with implications for
patients. We are delighted to be able to continue our collaboration
with Dr. Sabath and his colleagues at the University of Washington
in the development of this new technology."
Research will focus on developing new experiment design capacities
and biological understandings that expand the capabilities of
the NanoChip® Molecular Biology Workstation™ for gene expression
measurement and demonstrate an actual clinical application.
About VizX Labs
VizX Labs combines expertise in biology and computing to develop
products based on new insights in life science. The company has
developed knowledge discovery systems that enhance the ability
of researchers to understand the genetic mechanisms of disease.
The company's first product, GeneSifter.Net™, is a Web-based software
system providing microarray data analysis and knowledge management
for life scientists. VizX was recognized as a "Venture All Star
Company" in September 2002, one of the top 25 promising new companies
in Washington State.
About Dr. Daniel Sabath
Dr. Sabath is a hematopathologist at the University of Washington
specializing in DNA- and RNA-based techniques to diagnose leukemia
and lymphoma. His research interests include developing new methods
for cancer diagnosis as well as the basic biology of cancer.
About the Washington Technology Center
The Washington Technology Center is a state science and technology
organization that stimulates growth in Washington's companies
by helping develop commercially viable technology-with the ultimate
goal of creating jobs and expanding the state's economy. Since
1995, over 200 Washington companies working with WTC have secured
$133 million in outside financing or federal contracts. More than
half the companies who have received funding since WTC's inception
in 1983 have had less than 100 employees. WTC also manages a Microfabrication
Laboratory, which is a premier R&D facility for research, technology
development, and prototype manufacturing.
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