Nucleico, LLC - New Biotech Company Accelerates Genetic Research to Fight Disease

Nucleico, LLC Receives Michigan Life Science Corridors Catalyst Fund Investment

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (PRWEB) November 12, 2003 -- The Michigan Life Science Corridors (MLSC) Catalyst Fund, managed by Sloan Ventures, announced today its funding of Nucleico, LLC (www.nucleico.com), a new technology company which improves disease research in the State of Michigan and the biotechnology industry as a whole. Nucleico has developed a unique set of commercialized products utilizing its Spanscript DNA probe technology to help scientists and researchers better understand the cause of disease, the processes for growth and development in plants and animals, the effects of pollutants on ecological communities, and the ways in which bacteria and viruses develop.

Founded by pharmaceutical experts Dr. Michael Kane and Aaron Nagel, along with the efforts of Gary Kendra, Esq., Nucleico is developing a product line based on technology first developed at Genomic Solutions, a leading global supplier of automated life science research solutions for genomics (study of gene functions), proteomics (study of proteins produced by cell type and organism) and high throughput screening.

The MLSC funding allows Nucleico to further develop its patent-pending Spanscript technology which is unique because it:

•Allows researchers to identify the set of genes that is different between healthy and disease conditions where gene sequence information is incomplete or unavailable

•Produces DNA probe sets in research areas where no product exists today

•Takes a fraction of the time a researcher currently needs to produce a gene set individually

"We appreciate Nucleicos commitment to Michigan and continuing contributions to the States life sciences industry," states Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "The companys development of cutting edge techniques to produce genomics-related products has the potential to improve the quality of life for countless individuals. I look forward to working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as we pursue more commercialization opportunities like this through the Technology Tri-Corridor initiative."

"The Catalyst Fund investment from the MLSC and Sloan Ventures allows us to produce and market genomic tools and services," states CEO Dr. Michael Kane. "The MLSC brings very unique resources and capabilities to life science companies in Michigan, and were extremely pleased to be another company that has received funding through this successful program."

About Nucleico, LLC

Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Nucleico, LLC is a privately-held company focused on producing and marketing unique biotechnology products for use in life sciences, agricultural, veterinary, ecological, biodefense and other genomics-based research. Nucleico utilizes its patent-pending Spanscript technology to produce DNA probe sets for use in gene-expression profiling and DNA microarray-based studies. More information can be found at www.nucleico.com.

About the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor
The Life Sciences Corridor is part of the new Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor. The Technology Tri-Corridor was created to continue the growth of the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor while also focusing on the emerging homeland security and critical advanced automotive technology sectors.
Michigan has welcomed more than 70 new life sciences companies since the Life Sciences Corridor program was created in 1999. The approximately $190 million awarded has helped to leverage more than $4 billion in venture capital and other private sector investment.
The Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor is administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities that promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life.

About Sloan Ventures

Sloan Ventures is a leading early-stage venture development firm focused on emerging technologies in the Midwest. Sloan Ventures specializes in the identification and commercialization of enabling technologies complemented by expertise in business plan development; executive recruitment and matching; assistance with securing successive rounds of funding; the provision of ongoing, and interim, strategic management; and general guidance as the company evolves.

Founded in 1995 and based in Birmingham, Michigan, Sloan Ventures manages the MLSC Catalyst Fund, which provides seed funding to promising innovators and entrepreneurs engaged in the creation of new Life Sciences companies in the State of Michigan. Sloan Ventures also manages Sloan Investment Fund I, which provides seed and early stage funding to companies in biotechnology, software, and information technology, and has a portfolio of 10 companies.

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