Biosystems Informatics Institute (Bii) Licenses Proteomics Software From Pattern Expert
Biosystems Informatics Institute (Bii) and its commercial trading arm, Turbinia Ltd, announced today that they have secured exclusive rights from Pattern Expert (Borsdorf/Leipzig, Germany) to modify and distribute software, with a well-proven track record, for the discovery and validation of protein biomarkers. The Bii is currently securing access to innovative technologies as it builds its unique post-genomic product offerings.
Like much of innovation, a technology that has been developed for one market sector can find application elsewhere. To date, this software has been successfully used to identify markers of practical utility to the German police force (Bundeskriminalamt) during forensic analysis of hit-and-run accidents. Used during infra-red spectroscopy conducted on residues of car paint, the software makes efficient use of several artificial intelligence algorithms that when combined provides information employed to identify the year, model and car manufacturer by comparison with centralized databases. Bii and Turbinia have applied this same discovery-engine as a biomarker software tool to improve the quality of mass spectrometry data used in proteomics and other life sciences disciplines. Mass spectrometry is used to analyze large protein complexes found in serum and other biological samples.
“The opportunity to collaborate with the Bii and participate in the subsequently global release of this software in proteomics was an excellent commercial opportunity,” stated Olaf Schroeder, CEO of Pattern Expert. “We believe this application of our technology stands a real chance of being able to deliver mathematical solutions for biomarker discovery at a level not previously witnessed in a biomedical field.”
“This is a wonderful example of strategic in-sourcing which is being combined with in-house expertise, and that elsewhere in the North East of England, without whose input the software embellishments necessary for market release and delivery of validated biomarkers would not be possible,” noted Ian Humphrey-Smith, CEO of the Bii. “We believe this enhanced software offers scientists the ability to handle and integrate large data sets as well as identify and contextualize new protein biomarkers. The product will be market ready at the end of September at which time we will be conducting further beta testing.”
The Bii has utilized the expertise of Dr. Gary Black and Meng Zhang, scientists at the School of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK, who have developed capabilities in protein identification using mass spectrometry, and Amazing Interactions, an emerging start-up company in Middlesbrough, UK, that develops 3-D interactive simulation solutions for a broad base of business applications, including education, visitor attractions and technology-based companies.
Prof. John Ditch, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University of Northumbria commented: “For our researchers, normally well removed from market applications, this unique collaboration provided opportunities for testing and developing cutting-edge research solutions, PhD training and peer-review publication for my team.”
“The contract with the Bii was among the very first to use Amazing Interactions Scientific Visualisation technology since spinning out of Teeside University,” noted Nigel Rodwell, Technical Director of Amazing Interactions. “The successful completion of a project, performed to demanding client specifications, will provide us with excellent business credentials that are critical for future success and growth of our young enterprise.”
OneNorthEast’s David Allison stated: “This collaboration epitomises the very premise for establishing the Bii. By combining the talent and expertise in both academia and emerging small companies, we not only highlight the skills of individual entities but also the region as a whole as a world-class centre of excellence.
About the Software
Large proteins and peptides from blood serum and other samples have an extremely complex structure. With the help of mass spectrometry, these proteins and peptides can be easily analyzed. However, the interpretation and classification of data from these analyses is very time consuming and cumbersome.
By recognizing relevant patterns, the software pioneered by Pattern Expert enables the visualization of mass spectrometry data and allows the development of specific algorithms that facilitates classification. Mass spectrometry fingerprints which are very specific in describing the biological phenomena can also be linked to other data such as pharmacogenomics and clinical datasets. The team at Amazing Interactions were enlisted to provide a user-friendly interface for the software that provides advanced visualization tools currently unparalleled in the field of proteomics. The scientists at the School of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, provided an appropriate range of mass spectrometry data that were used during software performance testing.
About Bii
Biosystems Informatics Institute (Bii) is a new UK research establishment that, along with its commercial trading arm, Turbinia Limited, is focused on the delivery of systems biology and bioinformatics software tools to enable the development of better drugs and healthcare delivery. Since its inception, Bii has been working hand-in-hand with Nonlinear Dynamics, a world leader in the provision of proteomics software, to develop next generation software solutions in the key market areas of proteomics and systems biology. Through in-sourcing expertise from Moscow State University, Bii has a dedicated team with a proven track record in delivering added value to drug development through the application of systems biology to pharmaceutical partners such as GlaxoSmithKline. The Bii boasts links with several regional partners including One NorthEast; and the Universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside. For additional information, please visit http://www.biiuk.com . This initiative is funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry and One NorthEast.
About Pattern Expert
Pattern Expert ( http://www.pattern-expert.com ) develops intelligent solutions and software for its partners, in a variety of market segments, including image processing and bioinformatics. Pattern Expert is also developing intelligent solutions based on neuroinformatics inspired by studying neuronal cell activities on in-vitro chips.
