Basel, 2002/11/21

Genedata, a global leader in developing and marketing computational systems for the high-throughput drug discovery process, today announced the release of two new modules for the analysis of high-throughput screening (HTS) data. The modules Screener Condenser and Screener Analyst will extend the Genedata Screener system beyond the already released module Screener AssayAnalyzer for high-throughput data quality control. Screener Condenser performs data standardization as well as data annotation and Screener Analyst conducts cross-assay compound profiling based on HTS data. Together, the system provides scientists in HTS and lead discovery with a consistent, well-adapted and efficient data analysis workflow, which significantly improves the screening process, the quality of hit sets and identifies high-potential lead compounds early.

"With this release, Genedata is advancing its scientific as well as workflow-oriented approach to data analysis in support of lead discovery operations. The Genedata Screener system offers the scientists unprecedented analytical power and precision in assessing compounds and identifying structural correlates of activity. It is the first fully integrated expert system which helps to increase the productivity of HTS, thus paving the way to increased success rates in lead discovery," said Stephan Heyse, project leader of Genedata Screener. Both modules, Screener Condenser and Screener Analyst, have been developed in close collaboration with several pharmaceutical companies, including Altana Pharma, to optimally meet the requirements of today's industrialized research process.

The Condenser module standardizes complex HTS data for cross-assay comparability and broad-range compound profiling. It integrates results from primary and secondary screening into bioactivity profiles amenable to compound selection. An important feature of Screener Condenser is standardized assay annotation for structuring and storing today's large collections of screening data sets in pharmaceutical companies. Screener Condenser provides the benefits of assuring assay consistency, standardization and automation throughout the screening process thus improving productivity.

The Analyst module empowers scientists to assess the lead potential of compounds on the basis of the information provided to a company's screening operations. Screener Analyst performs large-scale assay comparisons, biological activity profiling of compounds or compound libraries across large numbers of assays, separation of mechanisms-of-actions, and identification of chemical structural elements conferring a desired biological activity. Screener Analyst aids in eliminating compounds with undesired biological effects and non-specific activity and uses all of a company's evidence to identify high-potential lead compounds at an early stage, thereby saving costs and focusing resources.