Proteome Systems expands relationship with CSIRO to developnew data mining tools for proteomics

Sydney, Australia – 23 July, 2003 - Proteome Systems and CSIRO today announced the signing of an agreement to develop powerful tools for the multivariate statistical analysis of protein expression data.  These tools will bring a deeper level of analysis to Proteome Systems’ bioinformatics platform which includes BioinformatIQÔ and ImagepIQÔ, to accelerate the identification of proteins and their modifications that are scientifically and commercially important.  Such proteins are key to the understanding and monitoring of disease, defining metabolic pathways, and identifying and validating potential drug targets.

 “With the increasing sophistication of proteomic technologies, researchers are asking complex questions of biological systems, and it is crucial to understand which genetic and environmental variables are affecting protein expression and behaviour”, said Dr Marc Wilkins, VP, Bioinformatics, Proteome Systems.  “Multivariate statistical tools allow the massive proteomic data sets to be explored in depth to reveal which of the thousands of proteins under study are contributing to the changes in a biological system or disease.”

 Dr David Mitchell, Business Development Manager of CSIRO Bioinformatics, said “ Our experience in the development and optimisation of algorithms for advanced multivariate statistics, in conjunction with Proteome Systems’ advanced proteomic bioinformatics and experience  in integration of proteomic technologies will facilitate  the development of powerful new data mining tools.  We are excited to have this opportunity to expand our relationship with Proteome Systems from image analysis into the data mining field.”

 The data mining applications will be tested extensively by Proteome Systems’ in-house Discovery programs, and integrated seamlessly into BioinformatIQ™.

About Proteome Systems
Proteome Systems is a leading proteomics technology, diagnostics and discovery company. With its technology partners, Proteome Systems has developed and commercialised ProteomIQ™, a comprehensive solution for high throughput proteomics. These technologies, integrated by a proprietary and sophisticated bioinformatics system, BioinformatIQ, are being marketed as part of a global strategic alliance with IBM. ProteomIQ is installed in laboratories in the USA and Japan, and implemented in Proteome Systems' discovery programs in the areas of cystic fibrosis, cancer, infectious disease and aging. Proteome Systems has R&D and manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia and Boston, USA and joint ventures with Itochu Corporation in Tokyo, Japan (Proteome Systems Japan) and Charles River Laboratories, USA (Charles River Proteomics Services Inc.). For more information about Proteome Systems, please visit www.proteomesystems.com.

About CSIRO Bioinformatics
CSIRO Bioinformatics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian science research agency CSIRO. The company, based in Sydney, Australia, has leading statisticians and software engineers with extensive data mining experience. Taking a new approach to data analysis, CSIRO Bioinformatics has developed proprietary methods for analysing complex data sets that will lead to better clinical diagnostics, more efficient screening of potential drug candidates in toxicology and genetic tests for drug efficacy. As well as working with Proteome Systems, CSIRO Bioinformatics is pursuing business opportunities with pharmaceutical companies in the US and Europe. For more information about CSIRO Bioinformatics, please visit www.bioinformatics.csiro.au

For Further Information contact:

Proteome Systems

Dr Marc Wilkins

Ph: +61 2 9889 1830

Fax: +61 2 9889 1805

Email: marc.wilkins@proteomesystems.com

Web site: www.proteomesystems.com

CSIRO Bioinformatics

Dr David Mitchell

Ph: +61 2 9325 3100

Fax: +61 2 9325 3200

Mobile: +61 402 304 801

Email: david.mitchell@csiro.au

Web site: www.bioinformatics.csiro.au