NORWALK, CT, October 11, 1996 -- The Perkin-Elmer Corporation (NYSE:PKN) has announced a research collaboration with SmithKline Beecham (NYS:SBH) to develop automated data management and analysis systems that will speed the drug discovery process for the pharmaceutical industry. These systems will help pharmaceutical researchers to manage and automatically analyze the vast amounts of data generated by the ABI PRISM DNA analysis systems developed and produced by Perkin-Elmer's PE Applied Biosystems Division, facilitating the identification of potential targets for new therapies.
Under the terms of the agreement, SmithKline Beecham will receive access to analysis and development tools for the ABI PRISM BioLIMS (laboratory information management system) as well as the sample file database that was exclusively developed for PE Applied Biosystems by Molecular Informatics of Santa Fe. In return, SmithKline Beecham will provide development support for the BioLIMS and will aid in developing functional specifications for future products. As a result of the collaboration, Perkin-Elmer hopes to develop sophisticated systems for data collection, analysis, and management that it can market to the pharmaceutical industry.
"Managing and analyzing tremendous amounts of information is the next critical step in moving the value of genetic research from the research lab to the patient," explained Steve Lombardi, PE Applied Biosystems' Vice President of Genetic Analysis. "SmithKline Beecham, a visionary in understanding the role that bioinformatics will play in all aspects of molecular medicine, is an ideal partner in this effort." "To be competitive in today's pharmaceutical industry, the ability to rapidly collect and analyze data is critical," according to David Searls, SmithKline Beecham's Group Director for Bioinformatics. "Our collaboration with Perkin- Elmer is an exciting development that promises to markedly improve the efficiency with which we are able to process our genomic data. By combining PE Applied Biosystems' new automation and analysis software with our own in-house bioinformatics expertise, we expect to significantly reduce the time required to integrate new sequence data into the critical initial states of target discovery."
For nearly 10 years, PE Applied Biosystems, headquartered in Foster City, California, has been a leader in the automation of DNA sequencing and genetic analysis systems, which have made possible major discoveries in cancer research and in the characterization of major genetic diseases. Perkin-Elmer is the world leader in the development, manufacture, and marketing of life science systems and analytic instruments used in markets such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, food, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing.
Headquartered in Connecticut, Perkin-Elmer had revenues of more that $1.1 billion in fiscal year 1996 and employs 5,700 people worldwide. Information about Perkin-Elmer is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.perkin- elmer.com or by phoning (800) 762-6923.
"Managing and analyzing tremendous amounts of information is the next critical step in moving the value of genetic research from the research lab to the patient," explained Steve Lombardi, PE Applied Biosystems' Vice President of Genetic Analysis. "SmithKline Beecham, a visionary in understanding the role that bioinformatics will play in all aspects of molecular medicine, is an ideal partner in this effort."