Ocimum

Ocimum Biosolutions to Distribute CLARMON's QAvalid™ Compliance Management Solution

2008-11-24T17:00:00Z

Gaithersburg, MD, November 25, 2008 - Ocimum Biosolutions is proud to announce its partnership with Clarmon Corporation to distribute, implement and support its Compliance Management Solution, QAvalid™. Ocimum Biosolutions’ extensive knowledge of Computer Systems Validation requirements and processes as well as its extensive understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories combined with Clarmon's unique solution, QAvalid™, creates a valuable partnership for regulated industries seeking effective and efficient validation solutions for their laboratory systems. "Our partnership with Clarmon will provide a true value-added solution to our customers who are seeking to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their Computer Systems Validation projects", said Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Ocimum Biosolutions. "By leveraging our own experiences in validating our laboratory software systems with the Clarmon QAvalid™ solution, we bring real-life expertise to this partnership", Ms. Acharya added. "We are very pleased to begin this partnership with Ocimum Biosolutions, whose first-hand experience with our Compliance Management Solution as well as their world-class sales and technical staff will provide a very powerful experience to our ever-growing global customer base," said Jan Olsen, Chief Operating Officer of Clarmon Corporation. "Ocimum Biosolutions and Clarmon together will revolutionize the computer systems validation process to enable regulated industries reduce their costs in these challenging economic times, while simultaneously improving the quality and consistency of their validation documentation."

QAvalid™ is a Web-based software suite designed to manage and automate quality and compliance processes. An alternative to paper based or manual systems, QAvalid™ is both efficient and simple to use, combining the control and compliance of traditional tracking databases with the flexibility of manual systems. Proprietary linking technology built into QAvalid™ enables users to connect and synchronize electronic content with the relevant regulations, standards or guidelines, making it easier to maintain documents up-do-date. The QAvalid™ Add-In for Microsoft Office allows users to perform controlled document writing, reviewing, approving or testing in the familiar Microsoft Office environment. Users can thus perform most of the common tasks in offline mode and can also add traceability references to connect related content. The QAvalid™ software suite developed by Clarmon and distributed by Ocimum Biosolutions includes specialized solutions that are focused on specific quality and compliance processes. By integrating and connecting the complementary solutions, companies benefit from a quality process that is streamlined from end to end.

About Ocimum Biosolutions
Ocimum Biosolutions is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive genomic reference databases, life science lab information management solutions, GLP-compliant microarray services and essential research consumables. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen us as their preferred outsourcing partner and utilize our expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers.
We are a preferred outsourcing partner for providing integrated biorepository and genomic services for several global pharmaceutical companies. Our global infrastructure, standardized procedures, capacity, expertise and highly skilled staff support drug development programs from pre-clinical target development and toxicogenomic assessment to clinical biomarker identification and patient stratification. In creating the world's largest commercial gene expression databases – BioExpress® and ToxExpress®, we have developed expertise and capabilities that are unparalleled in the genomic services industry. Our specialty LIMS solution, Biotracker™ caters to the growing needs of core labs in global companies and research centers involved in Life Science Research. We provide multiple GLP-compliant platforms for gene expression and SNP genotyping data generation. We also provide full biorepository and genomic services support for the Genetic Alliance, which is an umbrella organization representing ~600 genetic advocacy groups. Besides providing the physical infrastructure for storing thousands of biological samples, we provide services to assist sample accrual, IRB approvals, CRO training, sample collection, clinical data capture and management.

For more information, please visit www.ocimumbio.com.

About Clarmon
Clarmon is a provider of Compliance Management & Quality Assurance applications and consulting services for regulated and non-regulated industries, such as Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices, Nuclear Power Generation, and Semiconductor Manufacturing. Clarmon is a privately held company established in 2004 comprised of a group of professionals and advisers with extensive experience in Compliance Management & Quality Assurance who used their knowledge to create fast and efficient ways of resolving Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance concerns. Its premier product, QAvalid™, is the most efficient solution for managing Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance information for both regulated and non-regulated industries, saving 40% to 60% of the time normally spent on quality assurance, regulatory compliance or validation work. For more information, please visit www.clarmon.com.

Investor Contact:
Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Customer & Media Contacts:
Ashwin Sivakumar
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions
Phone: +91 40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Ocimum Biosolutions Launches Sequencing Services

2008-11-20T10:00:00Z

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, November 20, 2008 - Ocimum Biosolutions today announced the launch of sequencing services from its India facility. Using the gold standard 96-capillary 3730xl DNA Analyzer, Ocimum would provide various DNA analysis applications such as microsatellites, AFLP, SNP analysis, BAC fingerprinting, mutation detection, resequencing, LOH (loss of heterozygosity) and traditional DNA sequencing for animal, plant, and microbial genomes. The DNA sequencing services offered by Ocimum Biosolutions are: Shot Gun Sequencing (BACs/Cosmids), Primer Walking, Re-sequencing (SNP profiling), high throughput sequencing and bacterial identification. Ocimum’s team of trained bioinformaticians, sequencing experts, and statisticians help in achieving optimized assembly, accurate SNP analysis and better base calling. Ocimum also offers assistance for genome sequence annotation and analysis, mutational analysis, and confidential sequencing data management.

“We aim to provide researchers with world class services and solutions for their research problems, whether in drug discovery and development, agricultural research, or basic academic research,” says Dr. Elango Murugaian, Manager – Sequencing Services.

About Ocimum Biosolutions:
Ocimum Biosolutions is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive genomic reference databases, life science lab information management solutions, GLP-compliant microarray services and essential research consumables. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen us as their preferred outsourcing partner and utilize our expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers.

For more information, please visit http://go.ocimumbio.com/fwlink/?LinkId=867

Investor Contact:
Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions

Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Customer & Media Contacts:
Ashwin Sivakumar

Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions

Phone: +91 40-66627200

Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

The HOW! series Webinars: Biomarkers of tissue injury

2008-11-07T11:30:00Z

This webinar discusses biomarker identification of tissue injury using transcriptional profiles in blood cells. As background, examples from the literature will be presented including a case identified using some of the data in Gene Logic’s reference database. To demonstrate how biomarkers that are unique and/or shared by diseases might be discovered, studies from Gene Logic’s reference database will be used. The focus will be on white blood cells isolated from patients with autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Wegener’s granulomatosis and Crohn’s disease.

Speaker: Donna Mendrick, PhD, VP Pharmacogenomics, Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company)

The HOW! series Webinars: Biomarker qualification strategies in CNS disease

2008-11-07T11:30:00Z

This webinar demonstrates how researchers can strengthen the qualification of a biomarker panel through the application of genomic reference data. Examples will be drawn from Gene Logic’s research into CNS diseases such as Major Depression and Alzheimer’s disease. These examples will include: (1) dysregulated genes that are related to aging rather than disease; (2) trace a dysregulated gene(s) from post-mortem brain tissue to peripheral blood and (3) determine whether the gene changes are disease specific.

Speaker: Jarlath ffrench-Mullen, PhD, Scientific Director, Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company)

Ocimum Biosolutions and Gene Logic Announce Winners of Genomic Pioneer Awards

2008-10-21T22:00:00Z

Hyderabad, India – Wednesday, October 22, 2008 - The winners of the maiden edition of the Genomic Pioneer Awards (GPA) were announced at the HUGO’s 13th International Meeting on the Human Genome on September 30, 2008. The Genomic Pioneers Award winners are Dr. Sylvie Chauvaux, Asst Professor, Institut Pasteur, Paris for Europe; Dr. Srikanta Kumar Rath, Scientist, Genotoxicity Laboratory, Central Drug Research Institute for India; and Dr. Juergen Pipper, Senior Scientist, Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore for the Asia-Pacific region.

Anu Acharya, CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions, says “The Genomic Pioneer initiative is a part of our strong corporate social responsibility program through which we reach out to our community. This initiative aims at empowerment at grassroots level to foster improved Industry-Industry & Academia-Industry collaboration to support global biotech pursuit for bringing improved, affordable healthcare and therapeutics.”

“Microarrays have been instrumental for genome-wide association studies and clinical biomarker discovery programs. Genomic Pioneer Award is an effort to promote research in the use of cutting-edge technologies that speed up such discovery programs." says Ashwin Sivakumar, Ph.D, Director Marketing & Alliances, Ocimum Biosolutions.

Dr. Sylvie Chauvaux, winner of the Genomic Pioneer Award for Europe region, says, “It is truly a great honor for me to receive the Genomic Pioneer Award. This is a welcome award and I sincerely appreciate it, especially for my work on the transcriptome analysis of Yersinia pestis, the agent of plague, when grown in human plasma. This study provided evidence that many of the genes associated with virulence in animal models of plague were regulated in a similar manner in human plasma.”

Dr. Srikanta Kumar Rath, the GPA winner for India, stated that he was very happy on winning this award and also said that he along with his team would persist in their efforts in toxicogenomic studies to enable discovery of potent and safer drugs.

“It is an honor to receive the Genomic Pioneer Award. Our line of work is multidisciplinary in nature and I would like to share this recognition with all the people who have contributed to this project over the last couple of years. Prizes like the Genomic Pioneer Award will further encourage young scientists to make an impact in the Genomics field,” says Dr. Juergen Pipper, the recipient of Genomic Pioneer Award for Asia-Pacific region.

About Genomic Pioneers Award:

The purpose of the Genomic Pioneers Award is to recognize excellence and outstanding contribution to the field of genomics using integrated state-of-the-art approaches. The first edition of the Genomic Pioneers Award focuses on excellence in using oligonucleotides in advancing genomics research. Synthetic DNA oligonucleotides now have wide spectrum of applications ranging from being used in fundamental research, as diagnostic reagents to discovery of pharmaceutical compounds, making it an integral part of any scientific research. The award carries a prize of €3000 (EU), INR 1,00,000 (India), and USD 3000 (Asia Pacific).

To know more about the Genomic Pioneers, please visit:
http://ocimumbiosolutions.com/thoughtleaders/2008/10/announcing-the-winners-of-genomic-pioneers-award/

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum Biosolutions (and its subsidiary company Gene Logic) is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive genomic reference databases, life science lab information management solutions, GLP-compliant microarray services and essential research consumables. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen Ocimum as their preferred outsourcing partner and utilize Ocimum’s expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers.

Gene Logic is a preferred outsourcing partner for providing integrated biorepository and genomic services for several global pharmaceutical companies. Gene Logic’s global infrastructure, standardized procedures, capacity, expertise and highly skilled staff support drug development programs from pre-clinical target development and toxicogenomic assessment to clinical biomarker identification and patient stratification. In creating the world's largest commercial gene expression databases – BioExpress® and ToxExpress®, Gene Logic has expertise and capabilities that are unparalleled in the genomic services industry. Gene Logic provides multiple GLP-compliant platforms for gene expression and SNP genotyping data generation, full biorepository and genomic services support for the Genetic Alliance, which is an umbrella organization representing ~600 genetic advocacy groups. Besides providing the physical infrastructure for storing thousands of biological samples, Gene Logic provides services to assist sample accrual, IRB approvals, CRO training, sample collection, clinical data capture and management..

For more information, please visit:
www.ocimumbio.com | www.genelogic.com

Customer & Media Contacts:

Ashwin Sivakumar, PhD
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions
Phone: +91-40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Investor Contact:

Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Ocimum Biosolutions Awarded Two New US Patents in the Gene Expression space

2008-10-14T22:00:00Z

Gaithersburg, Md., US and Hyderabad, India – Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - Ocimum Biosolutions has announced issuance of United States Patent No. 7,428,554 which covers the company's proprietary system and method for determining matching patterns within gene expression data and US Patent No. 7426441, which covers methods for determining renal toxins.

The US Patent No. 7,428,554 covers a method for determining matching patterns within gene expression data stored in a database comprising of biological data. This robust methodology helps in retrieving clinically relevant and biologically significant patterns by making optimal use of information imbibed in the biological data which includes biological samples, related information on diseases, medications, tissues and other sample parameters present in the database.

The US Patent No. 7426441 covers the elucidation of global changes in gene expression and the identification of toxicity markers in tissues or cells exposed to a known renal toxin. The genes may be used as toxicity markers in drug screening and toxicity assays. The invention also includes a database of genes characterized by toxin-induced differential expression that is designed for use with microarrays and other solid-phase probes.

Ms. Anu Acharya, CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions says, “The granting of these patents reflects our continued focus on innovation and commitment to strengthen our intellectual property portfolio. Such cutting-edge research and techniques contribute immensely to our global reputation as a preferred partner for genomic solutions and services with global biotech, pharmaceutical companies and research organizations.”

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum Biosolutions (and its subsidiary company Gene Logic) is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive genomic reference databases, life science lab information management solutions, GLP-compliant microarray services and essential research consumables. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen Ocimum as their preferred outsourcing partner and utilize Ocimum's expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers.

Gene Logic is a preferred outsourcing partner for providing integrated biorepository and genomic services for several global pharmaceutical companies. Gene Logic's global infrastructure, standardized procedures, capacity, expertise and highly skilled staff support drug development programs from pre-clinical target development and toxicogenomic assessment to clinical biomarker identification and patient stratification. In creating the world's largest commercial gene expression databases – BioExpress® and ToxExpress®, Gene Logic has expertise and capabilities that are unparalleled in the genomic services industry. Gene Logic provides multiple GLP-compliant platforms for gene expression and SNP genotyping data generation, full biorepository and genomic services support for the Genetic Alliance, which is an umbrella organization representing ~600 genetic advocacy groups. Besides providing the physical infrastructure for storing thousands of biological samples, Gene Logic provides services to assist sample accrual, IRB approvals, CRO training, sample collection, clinical data capture and management.

For more information, please visit:
www.ocimumbio.com | www.genelogic.com

Customer & Media Contacts:

Ashwin Sivakumar, PhD
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions
Phone: +91-40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Investor Contact:

Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Gene Logic and deSciner Enter into a Partnership to Create 'Genomics Gateway'

2008-10-09T21:00:00Z

Gaithersburg, Md. and Leicester, UK. Friday, October 10, 2008 - Gene Logic has entered into a Strategic Alliance with deSciner™ Business Network to create an interactive genomics information resource. Both organizations will work together to create a unique knowledge resource in genomics called 'Genomics Gateway'. The vision of this partnership is to present applications of genomics in pursuit of improved and affordable healthcare and therapeutics. The Gateway will feature leading scientists, developments and progress in this area through webinars, interactive interviews, and blogs amongst other vehicles.

The Gateway will be featured as new sections on the OBBeC® Biotech portal powered by deSciner™ and Gene Logic's thought leadership forum.

“We are extremely delighted to be working with Gene Logic to incorporate such rich knowledge resource into OBBeC® Portal,” says Tim El-Sheikh, Managing Director and CEO of deSciner™ Business Network. “We always strive to provide our worldwide readers with high quality and informative content from leading scientists and businesses from around the globe, discussing strategic issues and best practices in biotechnology, Bio-IT and healthcare sectors, all through a single online interface.”

Anu Acharya, CEO, Gene Logic says, “We have a very strong corporate social responsibility program through which we reach out to our community. Genomics over the years has been defined and re-defined and we are now seeing exciting applications of genomics in the biotech sector. As a leader in the genomics space, we are pleased to partner with deSciner™ to present the latest in the genomics and discovery space through various programs we have planned.”

Ashwin Sivakumar, Ph.D, Director Marketing & Alliances, Gene Logic says, “State-of-the-art technologies like Genotyping, Differential Gene Expression, Genome Wide Association, SNPs et cetera have contributed immensely to global biomarker discovery programs as we all continue our pursuit for improved and affordable therapeutics. This alliance with deSciner™ is a first of its kind partnership where we have broken traditional barriers to feature pioneering work of the genomics community and present news relating to advancements in this sector.”

About Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company):

Gene Logic is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive genomic reference databases, life science lab information management solutions, GLP-compliant microarray services and essential research consumables. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen us as their preferred outsourcing partner and utilize our expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers.

We are a preferred outsourcing partner for providing integrated biorepository and genomic services for several global pharmaceutical companies. Our global infrastructure, standardized procedures, capacity, expertise and highly skilled staff support drug development programs from pre-clinical target development and toxicogenomic assessment to clinical biomarker identification and patient stratification. In creating the world's largest commercial gene expression databases – BioExpress® and ToxExpress®, we have developed expertise and capabilities that are unparalleled in the genomic services industry. Our Specialty LIMS solution, Biotracker™ caters to the growing needs of core labs in global companies and research centers involved in Life Science Research. We provide multiple GLP-compliant platforms for gene expression and SNP genotyping data generation. We also provide full biorepository and genomic services support for the Genetic Alliance, which is an umbrella organization representing ~600 genetic advocacy groups. Besides providing the physical infrastructure for storing thousands of biological samples, we provide services to assist sample accrual, IRB approvals, CRO training, sample collection, clinical data capture and management.

For more information, please visit:
www.genelogic.com | www.genelogic.com/thoughtleaders

About deSciner:

deSciner™ Business Network is an exclusive international business-to-business communication centre for scientific communities around the world. The company assists businesses and research organizations in identifying, addressing and tackling current trends and challenges of specialist scientific sectors, latest technological demands, emerging niche markets and new growth opportunities, with particular emphasis on employing I.T. and business strategies. The company supports its network through specialist news services, industry reports, face-to-face meetings and strategic marketing campaigns. deSciner's primary product is OBBeC® Portal, a leading e-magazine highlighting the pivotal role Bio-IT products, data management tools and specialist laboratory equipment play in today’s life sciences, biotechnology and healthcare sectors, which accelerate lead discovery and drug development. OBBeC® offers its elite audience a non-biased, one-stop-shop for top international daily news, industry analysis, product reviews and networking services.

For more information, please visit: www.obbec.com | www.obbec.com/genomics

Customer & Media Contacts:

Ashwin Sivakumar
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Gene Logic
Phone: +91-40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Marie Deleuil
Director of Marketing and Communications, deSciner
Phone: +33-621-164-765
Email: m.deleuil@desciner.com

Investor Contact:

Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Gene Logic
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Tim El-Sheikh
CEO, deSciner
Email: invest@desciner.com

Ocimum Biosolutions Awarded US Patent for Molecular Toxicology

2008-09-07T21:00:00Z

Gaithersburg, Md., US and Hyderabad, India – Monday, September 08, 2008 - Ocimum Biosolutions today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. US 7,415,358 B2 entitled ‘Molecular toxicology modeling’. The patent describes elucidation of the global changes in gene expression and identification of toxicity markers in tissues or cells exposed to a known renal toxin. The genes can be used as toxicity markers in drug screening and toxicity assays. The invention includes a database of genes characterized by toxin-induced differential expression that is designed for use with microarrays and other solid-phase probes.

Anu Acharya, CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions, said "We have consistently been in the forefront of Genomics Innovation over many years and this patent reiterates our strong commitment to continue as a leader in this space.”

“Ocimum Biosolutions (Gene Logic) will continue to innovate through areas like Genotyping, Gene Expression, PCR and other data validation approaches to bring the latest and most promising technologies to our pharmaceutical and biotech clients who have chosen us as their preferred partner in their discovery pursuit for more than a decade,” added Anu Acharya.

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Gene Logic is a preferred outsourcing partner for providing integrated biorepository and genomic services for several global pharmaceutical companies. Gene Logic’s global infrastructure, standardized procedures, capacity, expertise and highly skilled staff support drug development programs from pre-clinical target development and toxicogenomic assessment to clinical biomarker identification and patient stratification. In creating the world's largest commercial gene expression databases – BioExpress® and ToxExpress®, Gene Logic has expertise and capabilities that are unparalleled in the genomic services industry. Gene Logic provides multiple GLP-compliant platforms for gene expression and SNP genotyping data generation, full biorepository and genomic services support for the Genetic Alliance, which is an umbrella organization representing ~600 genetic advocacy groups. Besides providing the physical infrastructure for storing thousands of biological samples, Gene Logic provides services to assist sample accrual, IRB approvals, CRO training, sample collection, clinical data capture and management.

For more information, please visit www.ocimumbio.com and www.genelogic.com

Investor Contact:

Chief Executive Officer
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Customer & Media Contacts:

Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions
Phone: +91 40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Ocimum Biosolutions Announces Genomic Pioneer Awards

2008-08-13T21:00:00Z

Hyderabad, India – Thursday, August 14, 2008 — Ocimum Biosolutions has announced a first of its kind award that recognizes the trailblazing research innovations in the genomics space. The award would be known as the Genomic Pioneers Award. The purpose of the Genomic Pioneers Award is to recognize excellence and outstanding contribution to the field of genomics using integrated state-of-the-art approaches.

The first recipient of the award will be announced in September 2008.

The first edition of the Genomic Pioneers Award focuses on excellence in using oligonucleotides in advancing genomics research. Synthetic DNA oligonucleotides now have wide spectrum of applications ranging from being used in fundamental research, as diagnostic reagents to discovery of pharmaceutical compounds, making it an integral part of any scientific research. The first edition of this award will recognize the work of practicing scientists, who have demonstrated excellence in their novel use of oligonucleotides in Functional Genomics. The award will carry a prize of €3000 (EU). INR 1,00,000 (India), USD 3000 (Asia Pacific). The deadlines for applications from EU and Asia Pacific is September 20. Applications from India are due on August 30.

Anu Acharya, CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions said “Through the first version of Genomic Pioneers, we intend to elucidate the wide ranging utilities and applications of oligonucleotides and how it happens to be a bridge between basic research and target discovery. We hope this award will be a trend setter and would encourage new avenues of industry-industry and industry-academia collaboration”.

“We hope that this will also inculcate new practices in industrial social responsibility and this is our way of reaching out to the community which we all belong to” said Ashwin Sivakumar, Director- Marketing and Outreach at Ocimum Biosolutions.

For more information visit: http://www.ocimumbio.com/gpa.

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum Biosolutions is a leading integrated genomics company providing comprehensive genomic reference databases, life science lab information management solutions, GLP-compliant microarray services and essential research consumables. Over 2/3rd of the top 25 pharma companies, leading research institutes and emerging biotech companies worldwide have chosen us as their preferred outsourcing partner and utilize our expertise for understanding underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers.

Investor Contact:

Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Customer & Media Contacts:

Ashwin Sivakumar
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions
Phone: +91 40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Isogen Biosolutions B.V. is now Ocimum Biosolutions B. V

2008-08-12T09:00:00Z

Isogen Biosolutions B. V. has rebranded itself as Ocimum Biosolutions B. V. The aim of the rebranding exercise is to tap the emerging opportunities and need for globalized solutions in Genomics. This represents a significant milestone in company’s history as the company hones its position as the premier integrated global genomics solutions provider.

Synthetic DNA oligonucleotides now have wide spectrum of applications ranging from being used in fundamental research, as diagnostic reagents to discovery of pharmaceutical compounds.

The organization derives its name from Ocimum sanctum, which is considered to be an allude to purity. The value it brings to the medical world captures the essence of all genomes and species, which has made so much of a difference to the post-genomic era. Ocimum provides quality solutions spanning across the genomics space and partners with global organizations in the pursuit of improved and affordable healthcare.

“We now partner with global organizations and groups in their discovery endeavors from as early as basic research all the way up to clinical validations and target discovery. This announcement signifies our wide repertoire of offerings in genomics space. This makes it an integral part of our genomics business model,” says Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Ocimum Biosolutions.

Ludwig Winzer, Managing Director, Isogen Biosolutions B.V., says “With this re-branded image, we would like to communicate the wide range of benefits and solutions we now offer to the large scientific community, who over the years have known and trusted Isogen Biosolutions for their DNA oligonucleotide needs.”

Ashwin Sivakumar, Ph.D., Director of Marketing and Outreach, says “With Brand Ocimum and the recent acquisition of Gene Logic’s Genomic division, we now present more than a decade of experience in the genomics space. We would also like to announce the launch of our new dedicated QUTE ™ oligonucleotide website and ordering portal.”

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Investor Contact:

Spoligotyping for the Detection of Mycobacterium Complex Bacteria

2008-08-11T06:41:00Z

Tuberculosis (TB) is a life threatening contagious disease caused by the bacteria M. tuberculosis that primarily affects lungs. Other mycobacteria from the M. tuberculosis complex such as M. bovis, M. africanum, M. canetti and M. microti, can also cause tuberculosis, but these species do not usually infect healthy adults. Approximately, one third of the world's population is infected with M. tuberculosis. Every year, about 8 million new cases are reported and 3 million deaths occur due to this dreaded infection. If left untreated, this disease can be fatal. For this reason, accurate and early diagnosis of tuberculosis is important for effective management of the disease.

Spoligotyping (Spacer oligonucleotide typing) is a novel method that can be simultaneously used for detection as well as typing of the M. tuberculosis complex. This is a PCR-based method, which depends on the amplification of of a highly polymorphic direct repeat (DR) locus in M. tuberculosis genome.

Know more...

Gene Logic Renews Agreement with Agilent Technologies as Certified Service Provider

2008-07-14T10:24:00Z

GAITHERSBURG, MD and SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 14, 2008 —Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company) and Agilent Technologies today announced that Gene Logic has been reappointed as a Certified Microarray Service Provider for Agilent gene expression microarrays.

The Certified Service Provider (CSP) program comprises a select list of strategic organizations that pass a rigorous assessment to use Agilent’s microarray platform. The program combines the provider’s focused expertise with the complete Agilent microarray workflow to create specialized services or complete genomic research solutions.

“In our continued pursuit of providing customers with the best-suited solution for their research needs, we have found Agilent as a great platform to solve many research questions,” said Anu Acharya, CEO, Gene Logic. “As we continue to expand our services in becoming a preferred global genomics service provider, this partnership will add a lot of value to our partner R&D programs.”

“There is true synergy between the breadth of Gene Logic’s services, and Agilent’s ability to quickly print high-quality custom microarrays,” said Yvonne Linney, Agilent Vice President and General Manager, Genomics. “We’ve enjoyed a long relationship with Gene Logic, and look forward to helping them assist customers to identify and validate new solutions.”

Gene Logic offers one of the largest portfolios of integrated genomic solutions with a vision to become the No. 1 genomics outsourcing company by providing quality solutions spanning across the genomics space and partnering with global organizations in the pursuit for improved and affordable healthcare. Pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic companies, as well as government and academic institutions worldwide utilize Gene Logic’s comprehensive genomic databases and service resources to enable better understanding of underlying mechanisms of diseases, discovery and prioritization of gene targets and biomarkers. In addition to Agilent, Gene Logic provides microarray, RT-PCR, gene expression and genotyping services on multiple platforms.

About Agilent Technologies:

Agilent Technologies is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. Agilent has two primary business segments: Bio-Analytical Measurement and Electronic Measurement. The company has 19,000 employees and serves customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had revenue of $5.4B in fiscal year 2007.

About Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company):

Gene Logic, headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., has developed proprietary genomics databases and services to enable customers worldwide to discover and prioritize drug targets, identify biomarkers, predict toxicity, understand mechanisms of toxicity, and obtain insights into the efficacy of specific compounds. As a service, we offer high throughput genomics data generation using validated protocols under GLP compliance on a variety of platforms for clinical trials. Gene Logic is a preferred outsourcing partner for providing integrated biorepository and genomic services for several global pharmaceutical companies. Its global infrastructure, standardized procedures, capacity, expertise and highly skilled staff support drug development programs from pre-clinical target development and toxicogenomic assessment to clinical biomarker identification and patient stratification. In creating one of the most comprehensive commercial gene expression databases – BioExpress® and ToxExpress®, Gene Logic has developed expertise and capabilities that are unparalleled in the genomic services industry. Gene Logic provides multiple GLP-compliant platforms for gene expression and SNP genotyping data generation, full biorepository and genomic services. Besides providing the physical infrastructure for storing thousands of biological samples, Gene Logic provides services to assist sample accrual, IRB approvals, CRO training, sample collection, clinical data capture and management.

The BioIT division provides e-lab information management solutions for life sciences, niche bioinformatics services and products for genomic research such as gene expression analysis, advanced statistical analysis, gene function analysis and genome annotation. The BioMolecules division provides essential molecular biology commodities like DNA oligonucleotides and flexible custom (and catalog) microarrays. All labs and software facilities strategically located in India are ISO 9001:2000 certified.

Visit www.genelogic.com, www.ocimumbio.com or call toll-free – 1/800/GENELOGIC.

Investor Contact:

Anuradha Acharya
CEO, Gene Logic
Phone: +1 240 364 7502
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Customer & Media Contacts:

Ashwin Sivakumar
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach, Gene Logic
Phone: +91 40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Eric Endicott, Agilent Technologies
Phone: +1 408 553 2005
Email: eric_endicott@agilent.com

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Ocimum Biosolutions Launches Genowiz 4.0, A Comprehensive Gene Expression Analysis Software

2008-04-21T20:00:00Z

Hyderabad, India — April 22, 2008 —Ocimum Biosolutions, a leading provider of integrated genomics solutions, has announced the release of Genowiz™ 4.0, a comprehensive solution for gene expression analysis. The latest version makes the process of microarray data analysis simpler with a host of features such as AutoGuide to execute automated work flows for analyzing data, addition of organisms/genomes, automatic update of annotations, PLIER algorithm, data export in different formats, box plots and enhanced scatter plots.

"Ocimum aims to be the number one genomics outsourcing partner in the world. Genowiz™ is a key product central to our vision of providing integrated end-to-end genomic solutions for our valued customers by combining biology and IT in an easy-to-use interface to handle different kinds of expression and genotyping formats such as Affymetrix, Agilent and Ocimum", says Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Ocimum Biosolutions. "Unlike most of the other tools of the same genre in the market, Genowiz™ is envisioned by expert biologists and implemented using sound algorithms. This means that it has great features which are tailor-made for experimental biologists", adds Dr. Ashwin Sivakumar, Director, Marketing Alliances and Outreach.

Genowiz™ is a comprehensive microarray data analysis package that effectively assists researchers in generating significant biological conclusions, right from data upload through analysis and visualization. The strong algorithms of Genowiz™ can analyze microarray data formats from various sources, be it academics or industries. Genowiz™ allows researchers to organize experimental information (MIAME), import data files quickly and easily, work simultaneously with multiple experiments, import gene annotation files, pre-process and normalize data, perform cluster analysis, classify and view gene information, perform functional classification and track down intricate correlations in data by performing pathway analysis. All analysis performed is saved in database and can be retrieved as required.

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum Biosolutions is an integrated life-sciences R&D enabling company providing focused solutions for different steps of the genomics process chain. After joining hands with Gene Logic, we offer a strong BioResearch portfolio including knowledge bases in Genomics and solutions in Toxicogenomics, Pharmacogenomics and Clinical Genomics. Through our BioIT division, we provide expertly trained lab information management solutions for life sciences, niche bioinformatics services and products for genomic research such as gene expression analysis, advanced statistical analysis, gene function analysis, genome annotation, sequence comparison and EST analysis. Our BioMolecules division provides essential molecular biology commodities like DNA oligonucleotides and flexible custom (and catalog) microarrays. All labs and software facilities are ISO 9001:2000 certified. Strict adherence to quality practices and prompt delivery times, not to mention the greatest respect for clients’ proprietary and confidential information, have further reinforced our position as one of the fastest growing, most dependable companies in the Biotechnology Industry.

You can contact Ocimum on phone at +1-866-227-7512 and on email at info@ocimumbio.com.

For further information, contact:

Ashwin Sivakumar
Director – Marketing Alliances and Outreach
Ocimum Biosolutions
Phone: +91 40-66627200
Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company) to Provide EPA Access to Software and Databases to Explore Strategies for Chemical Toxicity Screening

2008-01-28T06:00:00Z

GAITHERSBURG, MD, USA | Hyderabad, India — January 28, 2008 — Gene Logic, an Ocimum Biosolutions company, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Center for Computational Toxicology (NCCT) providing access to Gene Logic’s proprietary Genesis Enterprise System® and GX® Connect software and relevant portions of the ToxExpress® System and BioExpress® System. The NCCT will use the data and software to assist in development of the agency’s ToxCast™ program, exploring strategies and methods to screen large numbers of chemicals for potential toxicity.

The ToxCast program was initiated by the NCCT to address the needs of EPA Program Offices to screen and prioritize large numbers of chemicals for potential risk to human health and the environment. The agency has expressed an interest in applying experience of the pharmaceutical industry in the use of advanced molecular biology and computational chemistry tools for development of new drugs, with appropriate adjustment to the needs and desires of environmental toxicology.

Gene Logic is well known in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry as a pioneer and quality leader in obtaining and analyzing genomic data, having assembled one of the world’s largest and most detailed knowledge bases of gene expression profiles from human and animal tissues and cells. The ToxExpress system contains gene expression data and classical toxicology information from animal tissues and cells. The BioExpress system primarily comprises genomic and clinical data from normal and diseased human samples. For the generation of these databases and as a part of its service offerings, Gene Logic has processed more than 200,000 microarrays and has developed proprietary methods and software to ensure data accuracy.

Donna Mendrick, Ph. D., Scientific Fellow and Vice President of Pharmacogenomics for Gene Logic, said, “This agreement and our ongoing collaboration with the FDA are part of a strategic effort to apply our knowledge, expertise and products to assist government efforts in employing cutting-edge techniques in their mandated functions. The agency will have access to relevant portions of Gene Logic’s databases to assist in their development of more effective and efficient screening assays. Incorporating Gene Logic’s high-quality data and advanced methods fit in well with the aims and methodology of the ToxCast program.”

Dr. Robert J. Kavlock, Director of the NCCT, said, “Gene Logic is providing EPA access to a unique toxicogenomic resource that will help us move forward with the incorporation of new technologies to improve predictive toxicology as envisioned by the recent reports of the National Research Council on a vision for toxicology in 21st century and for the application of toxicogenomics in risk assessment. We are very pleased to be able to work with Gene Logic in our expanding ToxCast research program.”

Genesis Enterprise System®, GX Connect®, ToxExpress® and BioExpress® are all registered trademarks of Gene Logic Inc.
ToxCast™ is a trademark of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Gene Logic (An Ocimum Biosolutions Company) Overview:

Gene Logic, headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland has developed proprietary genomics databases and services to enable customers worldwide to discover and prioritize drug targets, identify biomarkers, predict toxicity, understand mechanisms of toxicity, and obtain insights into the efficacy of specific compounds. As a service, we offer high throughput genomics data generation using validated protocols under GLP compliance on a variety of platforms for Clinical Trials. After being acquired by Ocimum last year, the global team is now 250 people strong. Ocimum’s BioIT division provides e-lab information management solutions for life sciences, niche bioinformatics services and products for genomic research such as gene expression analysis, advanced statistical analysis, gene function analysis and genome annotation. The BioMolecules division provides essential molecular biology commodities like DNA oligonucleotides and flexible custom (and catalog) microarrays. All labs and software facilities at Ocimum Biosolutions are ISO 9001:2000 certified.

Visit www.genelogic.com, www.ocimumbio.com or call toll-free – 1/800/GENELOGIC.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Contact:
Anuradha Acharya
Founder and CEO
240.364.7502
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Customer & Media Contact:
Donna L. Mendrick, Ph. D.
Scientific Fellow and VP Pharmacogenomics
240.364.7633
Email: dmendrick@genelogic.com

Ocimum Selected as Top Bioinformatics Solutions Provider by ValueNotes/KnowGenix Report

2008-01-02T17:30:00Z

Hyderabad, India – January 03, 2008 - Ocimum Biosolutions (Ocimum) is pleased to announce that it has been rated as the top vendor in Bioinformatics by a ValueNotes/KnowGenix research report - Bioinformatics Outsourcing in Life Sciences - India Opportunity. The report provides an incisive analysis of the Indian vendor space, and aims to provide insights into industry practices and trends, and the emerging opportunity in bioinformatics outsourcing/ off-shoring. This study used a proprietary methodology to rate bioinformatics vendors in India. The vendor rating is based on weighted averages of various quantitative and qualitative factors, including reputation, size, service focus, financial strength, partnerships, recognition and certifications.

Anu Acharya, CEO, Ocimum Biosolutions said, “We are very pleased with this recognition by ValueNotes. It is especially satisfying as this reflects on the rich functional expertise we have here at Ocimum. This also goes on to show how important it is to develop a strong bioinformatics competence which forms an essential backbone of the research and development process”.

Ashwin Sivakumar, Head Marketing and Outreach, Ocimum Biosolutions said, “Ocimum’s strong focus on bioinformatics has helped position us in a niche league as one of the leading integrated genomics solutions providers. Our focus reflects the current trends in genomic research where solutions emerge through applications from cross-functional areas backed by a strong informatics expertise”.

Ocimum Biosolutions has one of the largest portfolios of genomic solutions in the industry.

“Ocimum Biosolutions through the acquisition of MWG’s DNA microarray business, Isogen Life Sciences’ biomolecules synthesis business and most recently, Gene Logic’s genomics business has emerged an integrated player in genomics services and a global oligo player. Though, it was set up as a pure bioinformatics company, it has expanded in the bioresearch business to emerge as an integrated life sciences company,” said Poonam Bhana, Analyst, ValueNotes.

For any media related queries you can contact pr@ocimumbio.com.

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

About ValueNotes:

ValueNotes is a full-service research firm, with experience and skills encompassing a wide range of research activities. ValueNotes has developed considerable domain knowledge in a variety of sectors and industries. Within these our stated areas of focus are outsourcing (BPO and IT), technology and software, insurance and financial services, telecommunications, media and the Internet.

The ValueNotes Outsourcing Practice is one of the largest information providers on the outsourcing industry. Our Outsourcing Practice uses a comprehensive, analytical framework providing fresh insights into the fast emerging and yet, complex outsourcing space. We extensively track the outsourcing space in-depth through a regular analysis of news and events and continuous primary research and contact with the industry.