Findings published in peer-reviewed journal Functional & Integrative Genomics
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Paradigm
Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PDGM), a biotechnology company, today announced its
researchers have successfully used global nutritional profiling techniques to
discover the function of genes and chemical mode of action in filamentous
fungi. The findings were published in the August 2003 issue of Functional &
Integrative Genomics. Nutritional profiling may lead to faster and more
successful development of new fungicides as well as simplify the registration
process for new chemical entities.
"Agricultural chemical companies are increasingly challenged to find
compounds with novel modes of action. The nutritional profiling platform
described in this paper represents a powerful method to correlate the effects
of genetic changes or chemical treatments with biological pathways, thereby
enabling researchers to pinpoint compound sites of action," said Keith Davis,
Ph.D., Vice President, Agricultural Research. "Nutritional profiling is an
excellent tool for scientists to better validate good targets and eliminate
poor ones as they develop new fungicides. This platform is a key component of
our integrated suite of functional genomic technologies and demonstrates the
ongoing scientific innovation taking place at Paradigm."
Filamentous fungi are an important class of organisms that includes human,
animal and plant pathogens, industrial organisms, and edible species. While
some are responsible for production of useful products such as antibiotics and
foods (e.g. cheese, soya sauce), others cause disease or food to spoil. By
systematically altering genes in fungi and growing the mutated strains with
different levels of nutrients, such as amino acids and sugars, scientists can
pinpoint which nutrient uptake pathways are affected and identify genes that
may be targets for novel fungicides.
Paradigm has filed a patent application with the United States Patent
Office to cover methods described in the publication.
About Paradigm Genetics
Paradigm is a biotechnology company that increases R&D productivity by
focusing its integrated suite of technologies on the product development
cycle, from target discovery to subsequent enhancement of the safety and
efficacy profiles of development candidates in agriculture and human health.
Paradigm uses a systems biology approach to understand gene function in the
context of biological pathways, to develop assays and biomarkers for molecular
diagnostic solutions tailored to the needs of our partners. Paradigm's
proprietary Gene to Cell to System(TM) approach has four major components:
gene expression profiling, biochemical profiling (also known as metabolomics),
phenotypic profiling and data integration and coherence. For more
information, visit http://www.paradigmgenetics.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including
statements regarding the Company's ability to use nutritional profiling for
faster and more successful development of new fungicides as well as simplify
the registration process for new chemical entities; to increase R&D
productivity by focusing its integrated suite of technologies on the product
development cycle; and to use a systems biology approach to understand gene
function in the context of biological pathways, to develop assays and
biomarkers for molecular diagnostic solutions tailored to the needs of its
partners. Such forward-looking statements are based on management's current
expectations and are subject to a number of risks, factors and uncertainties
that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially
from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. These risks,
factors and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Paradigm's early
stage of development, history of net losses, technological and product
development uncertainties, reliance on research collaborations, uncertainty of
additional funding and ability to protect its patents and proprietary rights.
Certain of these and other risks are identified in Paradigm's quarterly report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend to update any of the
forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these
statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as may
be required by law.
SOURCE Paradigm Genetics, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.paradigmgenetics.com
CONTACT:
Melissa Matson, Director, Corporate
Communications of Paradigm Genetics, Inc., +1-919-425-3000, or
Mark Vincent and Brian Ritchie of Noonan Russo Presence Euro
RSCG, +1-212-845-4200, for Paradigm Genetics, Inc.
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