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Gene Logic to Provide EPA Access to Software and Databases to Explore Strategies for Chemical Toxicity Screening

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Gene Logic has announced 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 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 need 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 the 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.

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 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, the company says.

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.”

He continued, “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.”