Helicos BioSciences Enters Molecular Diagnostics Collaboration With Renowned Research Center To Sequence Cancer-Associated Genes

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 21 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Helicos BioSciences (NASDAQ:HLCS), a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies, today announced a research collaboration with City of Hope focused on cancer molecular diagnostics. City of Hope will use Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)TM technology for the examination of known cancer-associated gene variants and the potential discovery of new mutations within those genes.

"Our potential to personalize the treatment of cancer will be directly dependent on our ability to understand the genetic variation among individual patients as well as the genetic heterogeneity of their tumor genomes," said Dr. Steve Sommer, director of the Department of Molecular Genetics and director of the Department of Molecular Diagnosis at City of Hope. "We expect that Helicos' tSMS technology will allow for coverage that has the power to see beneath the surface and into the depths of the genome."

Helicos' proprietary tSMS technology directly sequences single molecules of DNA or RNA, an advance that enables unparalleled accuracy, simplicity and scale in genomic experimentation. With the ability to analyze billions of single molecules simultaneously, tSMS technology can directly measure the large sample numbers required to assess the frequency of gene variants within a population of individuals or within a tumor.

"While common variants are important in the landscape of oncology, the true picture can only be revealed with a combination of common, as well as rare variants," said Dr. Patrice Milos, chief scientific officer and vice president of Helicos BioSciences. "As we continue to advance our single molecule sequencing technology, we anticipate providing City of Hope with access, for the first time, to deep genetic data that will benefit patients."

"We expect that Helicos' technology will enable City of Hope to explore single molecule sequencing to conduct cancer research using an ultra high throughput method never before possible," said Dr. Jakub Sram at City of Hope. "The field needs novel research tools, such as the HelicosTM Genetic Analysis System, that offer future potential for clinical utility in molecular diagnostics."

About Helicos BioSciences

Helicos BioSciences is a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies for the research, drug discovery, and diagnostic markets. Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing, tSMSTM, technology allows direct measurement of billions of strands of DNA enabling scientists to perform experiments and ask questions never before possible. Helicos is a recipient of the $1,000 genome grant and is committed to providing scientists the tools to unlock the era of genomic medicine. The company's corporate headquarters are located at One Kendall Square, Building 700, Cambridge, MA 02139, and its telephone number is (617) 264-1800.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, CA, just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer and urology byU.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit http://www.cityofhope.org.

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, Helicos' expectations concerning the outcome of the collaboration with City of Hope discussed in this press release, the utility of Helicos' tSMS technology in molecular diagnostics and management's plans, objectives and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Helicos' control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, our ability to successfully complete the manufacturing process and commercialize the HeliScope system; competition; changing technology and customer requirements; our ability to operate in an emerging market; market acceptance of our technology; our ability to retain our personnel and hire additional skilled personnel; our ability to manage our rapid growth and our ability to obtain capital when desired on favorable terms. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Helicos undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by Helicos, see the disclosure contained in Helicos' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

City of Hope