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National Cancer Institute Selects Open Biosystems to Validate Gene Silencing Capability of shRNAmir Clones

Study Will Result in the Availability of Proven Cancer-Specific Reagents and Knock-Down Data

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—October 30, 2006—Open Biosystems, Inc., focused on the commercialization of leading-edge life science research tools for drug discovery, has been selected by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to verify the effectiveness of lentiviral microRNA-adapted short hairpin RNA (shRNAmir) technology in 135 specifically targeted cancer genes.

Increasingly, researchers and scientists, including the NCI, are utilizing shRNAmir technology to develop potential treatments in disease areas such as cancer. shRNAmir technology is an effective technique to simplify the discovery and validation of tumor suppressor functions. Because of the growing use of this research tool, the NCI has funded Open Biosystems to functionally validate the knock-down efficiency of shRNAmir lentiviral constructs when targeting  specific cancer genes. This validation study will provide researchers with a validated set of cancer gene targeting reagents and data that can be utilized to better identify and study the specific genes involved in the development of cancer.

“RNAi has great potential to dramatically impact the future of cancer diagnostics and treatment,” said Troy Moore, chief technical officer of Open Biosystems. “Open Biosystems’ shRNAmir technology is already helping leading cancer research organizations advance efforts. This validation study will further highlight the benefits of shRNAmir technology and encourage widespread adoption.  Clearly the NCI sees value in shRNAmir and we are excited to participate in providing it to the cancer research community.”  As a result of the study, in Q1 2007, researchers will be able to access cancer-specific shRNAmir reagents through Open Biosystems and the corresponding knock-down data through the NCI.

About Open Biosystems
Open Biosystems, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets genomic research tools to scientists and researchers in corporate, academic and government laboratories. These research tools provide investigators with standardized high-quality genes, RNAi and antibodies for interrogating gene function in relation to oncology, neuroscience and metabolic disorders. Founded in 2001, Open Biosystems is headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information and details for ordering, please visit: www.openbiosystems.com.


Contacts:
Laura Huckabee-Jennings             
256.325.7212                        
Open Biosystems                    
Laura.Huckabee-Jennings@openbiosystems.com    


Stacey Holifield or Melissa Bruno
781.684.0770
Schwartz Communications
openbiosystems@schwartz-pr.com