Isis Pharmaceuticals Singapore opens lab in the state-of-the-art Biopolis Center for biomedical sciences
The Helios Block, Biopolis, Singapore. In conjunction with the BioMedical Asia 2004 conference, Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the world's leader in RNA-based drug discovery and development, announced today it has officially opened its research lab in Singapore's Biopolis biomedical sciences center. Isis Pharmaceuticals Singapore Pte. Ltd. allows Isis to expand its RNA-based drug discovery and development efforts into Asia. Isis Pharmaceuticals Singapore's research programs are focused on discovering new micro-RNA drugs and antisense drugs to treat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), cancer and blood diseases. The work in both of these programs is supported in part by the Singapore Economic Development Board's (EDB) Biomedical Sciences Group.
"We are very pleased to establish a firm presence in Asia, and expand the use of our innovative technology and our leadership position in RNA-based drug discovery and development," said Nicholas Dean, Ph.D., Isis Vice President, Functional Genomics and Managing Director of Isis Pharmaceuticals Singapore. "We have assembled a team of researchers with considerable scientific talent, the majority hired from within Singapore, to primarily focus on the advancement of our strategic research program on micro-RNA. Mirco-RNAs have the potential to be a new class of drug targets. Our expertise in RNA supported with funding from the Singapore EDB will enable us to exploit this opportunity more fully."
In its micro-RNA research program, Isis Pharmaceuticals Singapore scientists will discover and identify the function of micro-RNAs, and design and optimize antisense inhibitors and small molecule modulators of therapeutically attractive micro-RNA targets. Drug candidates emerging from Isis Pharmaceuticals Singapore's work will be based on the company's proprietary technologies.
"We are very pleased with the opening of Isis' research facility in Singapore. Antisense and micro-RNA are exciting new areas of biological exploration which will strengthen Singapore's drug discovery capabilities. Locating at the Biopolis provides Isis with the opportunity to leverage scientific talent, specialized infrastructure and explore research collaborations. The opening of this center adds to the vibrancy of research activities at the Biopolis and underlines our position as one of the leading sites in the region for innovative biomedical research," said Mr. Philip Yeo, Chairman of the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) and Co-Chairman of the Singapore EDB for Biomedical Sciences Group.
MORE ABOUT MICRO-RNAS
Micro-RNA molecules are small non-coding RNA gene products believed to exist in all diverse multi-cellular organisms. Researchers estimate that there are approximately 250 - 350 micro-RNA molecules in humans. One known role of micro-RNAs is the regulation of translation of specific target genes, but very few micro-RNA target genes have been identified to date. Micro-RNA molecules are approximately 22 nucleotides in length, and are derived from larger segments of "precursor" RNA. Isis views both the precursor RNA and the micro-RNA as potential interaction sites for antisense drugs. Precursor RNAs may also represent attractive sights for binding small molecule drugs discovered through Ibis Therapeutics® mass-spectrometry based screening technology.
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Topic World Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectrometry enables us to detect and identify molecules and reveal their structure. Whether in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics - mass spectrometry opens up unexpected insights into the composition of our world. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of mass spectrometry!
