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Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Signs on With Open Biosystems' Open Access(TM) Program for Breast Cancer Research

Posted on: Monday, 11 September 2006, 09:00 CDT

Open Biosystems, Inc., focused on the commercialization of leading-edge life science research tools for drug discovery, today announced that Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, a recognized leader in cancer prevention, care and research, has joined its Open Access Program for RNAi and cDNA resources.

The Open Access RNAi Program provides the Cancer Center with access to Open Biosystems' whole-genome lentiviral human and mouse shRNAmir libraries for RNAi as well as the Mammalian Gene Collection (MGC) complementary DNA (cDNA) collection. Currently, Vanderbilt-Ingram is utilizing these tools to advance research efforts that may lead to chemotherapeutic treatment options with greatly diminished side-effects for those suffering from breast cancer. The Cancer Center is also expanding use of these tools to study diabetes, digestive disorders, inflammation and neuroscience.

Vanderbilt-Ingram places emphasis on translational research that connects laboratory discoveries to the clinic and hospital. This focus encourages researchers to arm themselves with the most advanced research tools available. RNAi is a technology with an increasing role in medical research, specifically in the field of cancer research where whole-genome functional screening is necessary.

Open Biosystems' Open Access Program provides Vanderbilt-Ingram with advanced RNAi and cDNA technologies that can be shared across the University, spanning various areas of research. Through the program, Open Biosystems also provides participants with continual library updates and upgrades, as well as partner specific technical support designed to ensure that researchers can rapidly take advantage of the resources the program offers. The Open Access Program also provides off-site backups of these resources.

"By empowering our investigators with the latest tools and technologies to unravel the complexities of the human genome, our goal is to better understand and better treat devastating diseases such as breast cancer. Through the RNAi program we will be able to focus further on mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis and potential biomarkers that can lead to the development of novel molecular therapeutics," said Shawn Levy, PhD, Director of the RNAi Core Facility at Vanderbilt-Ingram.

"The Open Access Program underscores our goal to provide the latest RNAi and cDNA tools and technologies available to assist universities in the understanding of gene function. This important research will ultimately lead to improved disease diagnosis and patient care," said Troy Moore, chief technical officer and co-founder of Open Biosystems. "By taking part in the Open Access Program, Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center have affordable access to the latest RNAi and cDNA tools to accelerate scientific breakthroughs."

Northwestern University, the Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre (Australia) and CIC bioGUNE (Spain), also recently joined Open Biosystems' Open Access Program.

About RNAi

RNAi is a mechanism cells use to naturally regulate gene expression. It is being increasingly harnessed as a tool to identify and understand genes that function in the disease process, especially in cancer research. Open Biosystems is the leading provider of mammalian RNAi resources and its RNAi portfolio includes leading-edge technology incorporating advances in shRNA design and captured in whole genome microRNA-adapted shRNA (shRNAmir) libraries. Open Biosystems' shRNAmir libraries are proven to provide greater gene knockdown and fewer off-target effects than other RNAi systems. Additional information about Open Biosystems' Open Access RNAi Program can be found online at www.openbiosystems.com/OpenAccessRNAi.

About Open Biosystems

Open Biosystems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets genomic research tools to scientists and researchers in corporate, academic and government laboratories. These research tools provide investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology, neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information and details for ordering, please visit www.openbiosystems.com.

About the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is dedicated to a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to cancer care, research, prevention, and patient and community education. With nearly 300 investigators, Vanderbilt-Ingram is ranked among the top 10 centers in total research funding from the National Cancer Institute and generates more than $150 million each year in research support from public and private sources. Vanderbilt-Ingram is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee and one of only 39 to achieve this distinction nationwide. The center is consistently recognized among the best places for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit us online at www.vicc.org.

Source: Business Wire

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