ExpressOn BioSystems and AstraZeneca collaborate on target validation

ExpressOn BioSystems Ltd and AstraZeneca have recently completed a contract to design small inhibitory RNA molecules (siRNAs) using ExpressOn's ACCESSarray technology platform.

(PRWEB) August 6, 2003 -- ExpressOn BioSystems Ltd and AstraZeneca have recently completed a contract to design small inhibitory RNA molecules (siRNAs).

The project used ExpressOn's proprietary ACCESSarray® system, a microarray-based process that maps accessible regions on an RNA target, enabling the accurate design of effective siRNA (or antisense) reagents. AstraZeneca will now evaluate the utility of the approach to design potent and selective siRNA for in vitro and in vivo validation purposes.

Dr Peter Estibeiro, ExpressOn's CEO, stated that "We are delighted to be working with AstraZeneca, and to have this opportunity to demonstrate further the utility of our technology in assisting pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with their target validation programs."

ExpressOn BioSystems Ltd was founded in 1999 and is based at the Roslin BioCentre in Scotland. ExpressOns core activity is to develop antisense and RNA interference (RNAi) technologies as research tools and drugs for any therapeutic area, using its proprietary ACCESSarray® system. This technology is currently being used by customers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries worldwide.

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world with healthcare sales of over $17.8 billion and leading positions in sales of gastrointestinal, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and respiratory products. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global and European) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

Further enquiries to:
Mark Davison, Head of Business Development
ExpressOn BioSystems Ltd.

Tel:    +44 (0) 131 527 4607
Fax:   +44 (0) 131 527 4521
Email: info@expresson.co.uk
Web:   www.expresson.co.uk
Post:   Roslin BioCentre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9TT, United Kingdom