Ocimum

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

Ocimum — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:00:00 GMT

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:

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.

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

Spoligotyping for the Detection of Mycobacterium Complex Bacteria

Ocimum — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:41:00 GMT

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

Ocimum — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:24:00 GMT

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: Press releases, photography and other information can be accessed on the Agilent Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis newsroom at www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/lsca.

Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.

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

Ocimum — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT

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

Ocimum — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:00:00 GMT

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

Ocimum — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 06:30:00 GMT

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.

Ocimum Biosolutions Raises Capital from Kubera and Acquires Gene Logic’s Genomics Division

Ocimum — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:54:00 GMT

December 17, 2007 - Ocimum Biosolutions (Ocimum) is pleased to announce that it has raised capital from Kubera Cross Border Fund (KUBC) for an equity investment of up to US$17 million (including the pro rata investment by affiliates of Kubera Partners, LLC, the Investment Manager of KUBC). Ocimum Biosolutions also announced that it has successfully closed the acquisition of the genomics division of Gene Logic and will retain the Gene Logic name and continue to service customers from Gaithersburg.

Commenting on the new partnership, Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Ocimum, said, “We were looking for a partner that apart from providing growth capital and acquisition financing has a similar footprint as ours and can understand our business and our global customer service and delivery model. Kubera’s track record and their ability to add value in a cross-border sense uniquely qualifies them to help with businesses such as ours.” She further added, “With the acquisition of Gene Logic’s Genomics business, we now offer the largest portfolio of integrated genomic solutions, which further strengthens our unique positioning in this space. We aim to be the number one genomics outsourcing company in the world. We will leverage our global positioning and Gene Logic’s branding and scientific leadership in toxicogenomics, pharmacogenomics and clinical genomics to become a partner of choice for our customers.”

Ramanan Raghavendran, Managing Partner at Kubera Partners, LLC said, “We believe genomics outsourcing is at the cusp of significant growth, given the demands on the drug discovery function for labs around the world. Ocimum is well positioned to capture this opportunity because of its leadership in genomics, deep technology knowledge and experience, global delivery capability and above all its world-class scientific talent and management team.”

Shiraz Bugwadia, Director at o3 Capital Advisors, added, “Ocimum, with this Series B investment from Kubera Partners is well on path to become a USD 100 million company by 2011 and a world leader in genomics outsourcing.”

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum is a life sciences research and development-enabling company, delivering end-to-end genomic products and services from three global locations: Indianapolis (United States), Ijsselstien (Netherlands), and Hyderabad (India). Following the Gene Logic acquisition, the company will also have a significant presence in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The company uses a global business model, with labs in India, Europe and the US. Its presence across the globe allows it to service customers locally while leveraging Ocimum’s global capabilities. The company has won several awards and was the Red Herring 100 Asia winner for 2006, an award conferred on the leading technology companies by Red Herring Magazine.

The company has three main focus areas: BioIT, BioMolecules, and BioResearch. The BioIT division provides reliable and cost-effective software solutions for the biotech industry. The division also offers high-end informatics services including gene identification, algorithm development and database creation and analysis. The BioMolecules division produces oligonucleotides and microarrays, which are used by biotechnology labs for genomics research and experimentation. The BioResearch division provides molecular biology services including gene expression profiling, SNP studies, QPCR, genotyping, DNA extraction and gene synthesis.

Ocimum (www.ocimumbio.com) has had an impressive track record of organic and inorganic growth. The financing has primarily been used by the company to fund its acquisition of the Genomics division of Gene Logic Inc (www.genelogic.com) (NASDAQ: GLGC), which will add significant capabilities to Ocimum’s suite of offerings. The division’s BioExpress and ToxExpress database comprise of a bio-repository of over 80,000 samples and the services business provides data generation and analysis services to large labs around the world. The division is being acquired by Ocimum for a cash consideration of $10 million. Ocimum has in the past successfully integrated MWG Biotech’s (Germany) microarray business and Isogen’s (The Netherlands) Oligonucleotide business.

About Kubera Partners:

Kubera Partners, LLC, as the investment manager of KUBC, invests in cross–border companies that are Western headquartered and seek to leverage India and Asia based resources for availability of talent or access to new markets; and companies headquartered in India and Asia that seek to expand in Western markets through acquisition or sales force development. Kubera Partners, LLC is differentiated by the track record of its principals and their complementary experience. Further details on the investment manager can be found at www.kuberapartners.com.

For more information contact:

Ocimum Biosolutions
Anuradha Acharya, CEO
Tel no: +1 317 413 4572
Email: ceo@ocimumbio.com

Kubera Partners, LLC (Investment manager of Kubera Cross-Border Fund Limited)
Ramanan Raghavendran, Managing Partner
Tel no: +1 212 295 2400

o3 Capital Advisors Private Limited (Exclusive Adviser to Ocimum)
Shiraz Bugwadia, Director
Tel no: +91 98205 53003

Ocimum Biosolutions in Deloitte Fast 500 Asia Pacific List

Ocimum — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:31:00 GMT

Hyderabad, India – December 10, 2007 - Ocimum Biosolutions, a leading integrated life sciences solutions company, has been listed in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific ranking, for the third consecutive year. Ocimum had featured in Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific ranking in the years 2005 and 2006 as well. Ocimum is also listed in Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India ranking, for all the three years. The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific list is a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in Asia Pacific, based on the percentage revenue growth over three financial years.

About the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific:

The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific program is the region's most objective industry-ranking standard to focus on the technology field. The ranking acknowledges and profiles the top 500 technology companies — public and private — and the winners are ranked according to their revenue performance over the last three years. The top five companies this year achieved average three-year revenue growth rates ranging from 9,409 to 27,542 percent. Details of the winning companies are available at:
http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/cda/doc/content/Deloitte%20Technology%20Fast500%20Asia%20Pacific%20Winners%20Report.pdf

About Deloitte:

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organization of member firms around the world devoted to excellence in providing professional services and advice, focused on client service through a global strategy executed locally in over 140 countries. With access to the deep intellectual capital of approximately 150,000 people worldwide, Deloitte delivers services in four professional areas – audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services – and serves more than 80 percent of the world’s largest companies, as well as large national enterprises, public institutions, locally important clients, and successful, fast-growing global companies. Services are not provided by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein, and, for regulatory and other reasons, certain member firms do not provide services in all four professional areas. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms have any liability for each other’s acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names “Deloitte,” “Deloitte & Touche,” “Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu,” or other related names.

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum Biosolutions is a life sciences R&D enabling company with three focus areas, BioIT, BioMolecules, and BioResearch. Ocimum delivers end to end genomic products and services out of three strategic locations worldwide, Indianapolis (United States), IJsselstien (The Netherlands), Hyderabad (India).

The BioIT Division provides key, ready to use, reliable, cost-effective software solutions for the biotech/pharma industry. This division includes three 21 CFR Part 11 & GLP compliant, Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) products - Biotracker™, Pharmatracker™ and Toxchek™ and a suite of bioinformatics products, Genchek™ (sequence analysis), OptGene™ (gene design), Genowiz™ (microarray data analysis) and iRNAchek™ (iRNA template design). The division also offers data mining, literature mining, algorithm development, gene identification, multiple-platform software development, database creation and manipulation, and tools for image analysis.

The BioMolecules Division produces microarrays and oligonucleotides. The Microarray Division has been recently acquired from MWG Biotech (Germany) and produces catalog OciChip™ arrays, Custom OciChip™ arrays and offers microarray hybridization services. The Oligonucleotides Division, which has been acquired from Isogen Life Science (The Netherlands), makes standard and modified DNA, RNA oligonucleotides.

The BioResearch Division provides molecular biology services like GMO testing, nucleic acid purification, DNA extractions and gene synthesis. The U.S arm of Ocimum Biosolutions is located at Indianapolis. For more information please visit www.ocimumbio.com.

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

Ocimum Biosolutions to Buy Gene Logic’s Genomics Business

Ocimum — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:36:00 GMT

Ocimum Biosolutions to Buy Gene Logic’s Genomics Business
Combination Will Create Premiere Provider of Pharmacogenomic Data and Services

Indianapolis, IN. — October 15, 2007— Ocimum Biosolutions Inc. announced today that it has agreed to buy Gene Logic’s Genomics Business for $ 10 million in cash. The purchase includes Gene Logic’s Knowledge Products business which is anchored by the world’s largest databases of human biology (BioExpress®) and response to treatment (ToxExpress®) integrated with the Genesis™ software system and expanded through web-enabled products like Ascenta™, Sciantis™ and ToxShield™. As part of the transaction, Ocimum has also acquired Gene Logic’s comprehensive genomic and genetic services business which provides customers with access to a biorepository of over 80,000 unique samples, targeted sample accrual using its significant clinical network, data generation on multiple platforms including Affymetrix, Agilent, ABI and others, and biostatistical and other data analysis services. Ocimum will continue to operate the business out of the current state-of-the-art laboratory facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

“Gene Logic has a wonderful track record and a great scientific team,” said Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Ocimum Biosolutions. “Ocimum continues to position itself as a preferred partner for genomics outsourcing. With this acquisition, the combined strengths of Ocimum and Gene Logic Genomics will make us an obvious choice for partnering. The Genomics business, when integrated with Ocimum’s strengths in BioIT, BioMolecules and BioResearch groups, forms a premiere business that can support multiple aspects of the life sciences industry. Gene Logic’s Genomics customers will also benefit from Ocimum’s global presence.”

O3 Capital advised Ocimum on the deal. O3 Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd. is a boutique investment banking firm that offers financial advisory and securities brokerage services. The firm provides merger and acquisition, capital syndication, equity research, market analysis, and investment advisory services. It caters to financial services, information technology, infrastructure, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. O3 Capital Advisors is headquartered in Mumbai, India with an additional office in Bangalore, India. www.o3capital.com

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum is a privately held company with equity from IFC (International Finance Corporation, the private equity arm of the World Bank Group). Ocimum is part of the Ficus Enterprises, a group of 11 companies in five different industries. Ocimum Biosolutions, Inc is located at Indianapolis, Indiana and has Sales and Distribution channels across the world. Ocimum's Indian headquarters are located in Hyderabad while their European headquarters are in IJsselstein, The Netherlands. Through its’ three divisions – Bio-IT, Bio-Molecules and Bio-Research, Ocimum provides a wide spectrum of Bio-IT and Genomic Services. to clients throughout the world, including Bio-IT software products & services, DNA chips & hybridization services, custom oligos, genotyping & expression services and custom genomics services. For more information on Ocimum Biosolutions and its products, visit www.ocimumbio.com

For further information, please contact:

Ocimum Biosolutions Inc., Dr. Ashwin Sivakumar, Head of Marketing
Phone: +1-317-228-0600 Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Tissue Microarrays - Opening up new opportunities in the Therapeutics sector

Ocimum — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:31:00 GMT

Tissue Microarray has become a pivotal cog in the wheel for high throughput studies and is an integral part in the validation process for screening results from discovery platforms for expression studies using various approaches. This powerful statistical validation system has given a whole new meaning to targeted discovery in the Therapeutics sector. more...

Download White paper

Errors and Their Relevance in Microarray Data Analysis - An Ocimum Experience

Ocimum — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:26:00 GMT

The primary objective of microarray study is to determine the change in the expression levels of a set of genes across samples exposed to different conditions. Expression levels are usually the fluorescent intensity values, which are indirect measurements of m-RNA abundance in the biological samples. Hybridization experiments are either single color or double color that are labeled with fluorescent dyes such as Cy5 and Cy3. In addition to biological variations, intensity measurements are subject to other sources of variations such as array spotting, hybridization, labeling, scanning, etc. These factors not only affect intensities, but also gene expression. More...

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Modification of the Coding Sequence Enhances Plant Expression of Insect Control Protein Genes - OptGene™: A Case Study

Ocimum — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:07:00 GMT

Modification of the Coding Sequence Enhances Plant Expression of Insect Control Protein Genes - OptGene™: A Case Study

Increased expression of the insect control protein genes in plants has been critical to the development of genetically improved plants with agronomically acceptable levels of insect resistance. Insect control proteins from a prokaryotic source, Bacillus thuringiensis var.kurstaki(B.t.k.) are specific for Lepidopteran insects and exhibit no activity against humans, other vertebrates, and beneficial insects. These properties have made the genes of these insect-specific proteins attractive candidates for genetic modification of crops for protection against lepidopteran pests. More...

Case Study:
Download here.

Ocimum Biosolutions to Buy Gene Logic’s Genomics Business

Ocimum — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 21:30:00 GMT

Ocimum Biosolutions to Buy Gene Logic’s Genomics Business
Combination Will Create Premiere Provider of Pharmacogenomic Data and Services

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

For further information, please contact:

Ocimum Biosolutions Inc., Dr. Ashwin Sivakumar, Head of Marketing
Phone: +1-317-228-0600 Email: pr@ocimumbio.com

Ocimum joins Microsoft's BioIT Alliance

Ocimum — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 02:11:00 GMT

June 28, 2007, Hyderabad - Ocimum Biosolutions, a leading integrated life-sciences solutions provider has joined the BioIT Alliance in the quest to address the growing need for intelligent informatics solutions in the global life-sciences sector.

Subash Lingareddy, President, Ocimum Biosolutions said, “Ocimum is excited to be a part of this global initiative. We look forward to working with other Alliance partners for coming up with cutting edge integrated informatics solutions for enabling quality R&D. This platform further strengthens our goals to come up with affordable solutions for catering diverse economies.”

Don Rule, Platform Strategy Advisor at Microsoft, commented, “We are thrilled to see Ocimum join the BioIT Alliance. As an integrated life-sciences Company, Ocimum brings a unique perspective to this Alliance through their complementing competencies in key technology areas.”

About the BioIT Alliance:

Formed in 2006, the BioIT Alliance is a cross-industry group working to integrate science and technology in order to accelerate the pace of drug discovery and realize the potential of personalized medicine. Founding members include Accelrys Software Inc., Affymetrix, Inc., Agilent Technologies Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Applied Biosystems, The BioTeam Inc., Digipede Technologies LLC, Discovery Biosciences Corporation, Geospiza Inc., Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., Illumina Inc., InterKnowlogy, Microsoft Corporation, Sun Microsystems Inc., The Scripps Research Institute, VizX Labs LLC and other key companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech, hardware and software industries. Additional information about the BioIT Alliance can be found on the BioIT Alliance Web site at http://www.bioitalliance.org

About Microsoft:

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ: “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

For more information, please visit www.microsoft.com

About Ocimum Biosolutions:

Ocimum Biosolutions is a leading integrated life-sciences R&D enabling company providing focused solutions for enabling different steps of the life-sciences process chain. Ocimum's strategic presence in USA, Netherlands and India helps offering cutting edge technologies at competitive market rates. The BioMolecules division provides complementary product lines in Microarrays and Oligos using sophisticated proprietary technologies while adhering to strict quality standards. Through Ocichip™ technology, the Company offers one of the widest ranges of catalog arrays and flexible custom arrays with superior probe design. Ocimum offers QUTE™ (Quantitatively Unique Technique Extracted) oligos with stringent quality controls using proprietary purification technology which is in par with HPLC. The Bioresearch division with sophisticated world-class facilities offers a variety of analytical research services in the Molecular Biology space ranging from Sequencing services to gene synthesis. The BioIT division provides flexible end to end solutions for management and analysis of complex biological data. The products and services units within the BioIT division collaborates for providing cutting-edge solutions like complex information and knowledge management, data and literature mining, gene expression, algorithm development, gene identification, multiple-platform software development, database creation and manipulation, and tools for image analysis. The division has 8 products used globally in the LIMS (Biotracker™, Pharmatracker™ and Toxchek™) and Bioinformatics space (Genowiz™, Genchek™, OptGene™ and iRNAchek™).

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

Process integration through strategic partnership - a LIMS success story

Ocimum — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:30:00 GMT

Any process manually implementable can be automated. But... a perfect automation is a product of an expert understanding of the manual thought process.

Biotracker™ LIMS from Ocimum: Implementation at University of New Mexico’s Multi-Disciplinary Lab