Paradigm and Thermo Electron to Develop Technologies for Metabolomics

Paradigm Genetics, Inc. announced the initiation of a strategic alliance with Thermo Electron Corporation to design and develop the next generation of chromatography/mass spectrometry systems for use in the field of metabolomics. Under the terms of the agreement, Paradigm will provide technical and implementation consulting services to Thermo Electron's chromatography/mass spectrometry business, Thermo Finnigan, and have exclusive pre-commercial access to the new instruments and systems in the field of metabolomics. Thermo Finnigan will utilize Paradigm's metabolomics platform technology to design and validate its equipment and technology. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

``With Paradigm's help, we are designing and developing systems that are sure to become the industry standard for conducting research in the growing field of metabolomics,'' said Ian Jardine, Ph.D., president of Thermo's Analytical Instruments division. ``Metabolomics technologies are increasingly becoming valuable tools for the life sciences industry, and we are committed to applying our expertise in chromatography and mass spectrometry to address emerging needs that rely on accurate, rapid, and meaningful analysis.''

Under the terms of the alliance, Thermo Finnigan's technologies in chromatography and mass spectrometry systems and Paradigm's metabolomics technologies will be integrated to create a platform technology for identifying and validating metabolite biomarkers.

``This collaboration is an unique opportunity to leverage the expertise of our two companies to help create a new generation of systems to address the post-genomics research needs of the life sciences industry,'' commented John Ryals, Ph.D., CEO and President of Paradigm. ``Sharing our experiences with Thermo Finnigan and getting early access to their instrumentation will enable us to further accelerate and enhance our own metabolomics programs in human health, agriculture and nutrition.''

The field of metabolomics, namely the study of all small molecules and their interactions within an organism, has applications in most areas of life science research, including human health, nutrition and agriculture. Metabolomics research is expected to play a crucial role in the development of better and safer drugs by focusing on metabolite biomarkers. Chromatography/Mass spectrometry technologies are key to performing accurate, rapid and meaningful metabolomics analysis.