From:	 "Amanda Mason" <Amanda.Mason@mslpr.com>
To:	 <letters@lwn.net>
Subject: Linux in life sciences
Date:	 Mon, 04 Jun 2001 15:22:55 -0400

Devgen and IBM Join Forces To Analyze Genomic Data
Drug target discovery and validation using C. elegans roundworm, facilitated
by IBM technology, gives researchers new insights into human diseases

   GHENT, BELGIUM, May 29, 2001 . . . Belgium-based biotech company Devgen NV
has deployed IBM technology to conduct genetic research on a microscopic
roundworm (C. elegans). This research will help identify new drug targets and
leads for human diseases such as diabetes, depression, obesity and many
others, as well as insecticide discovery.
   Devgen's new system includes a cluster of IBM eServer* systems (2 pSeries*
model H80s and 20 xSeries* model 330s) running Linux** and AIX*, which is
used to analyze genome information.  Devgen's core technology involves the
use of C. elegans to identify validated drug targets and in vivo active
compounds. By studying this transparent worm, Devgen researchers can better
understand gene interactions in humans that trigger chemical reactions in
cells and cause diseases, and narrow the search for medical treatments.
   "Given the increasing availability of completely sequenced genomes, Devgen
has designed a powerful system that enables rapid deciphering of huge volumes
of data and the uncovering of genetic patterns that hold the key to important
new drugs," said Dr. Wim Van Criekinge, Devgen's director of bioinformatics
and genomics.  "We are doubling our capacity every ten months, so scalability
is an important factor.  In addition, we need an information technology
infrastructure that supports both UNIX and Linux.  IBM is the logical choice
as a strategic technology partner."
   The system includes a unique, proprietary hardware platform that is
uncoupled and scalable in both storage and crunching capacity.  Devgen
completed this high performance system with software solutions that realize
the full potential of the hardware and present the results interactively to
the biologist.
   "This bioinformatics architecture enables Devgen to store, filter and
analyze large sequence databases in-house," said Dr. Robin Brown, chief
scientific officer of Devgen.  "Combined analysis of the entire publicly
available sequence information and Devgen's proprietary genomic information
provides Devgen with the world-class ability to mine sequence information for
drug discovery. This capability is used for in-house research programs and
for corporate research partners."
   The new system was configured and implemented by IBM's business partner
Computers & Communications (C&C).
   "This deployment brings together IBM's information technology leadership
and C&C's expertise in implementing Linux and UNIX solutions," said Dr.
Anne-Marie Derouault, director of business development, IBM Life Sciences.
"Our complementary strengths are providing a technology base that Devgen can
use now and in the future to advance and commercialize scientific research
that identifies drug targets and candidate drugs effective in treating
disease."

About Devgen
   Devgen, founded in 1997 and based in Ghent, Belgium, is a privately owned
biotechnology company that concentrates on the speedy discovery of novel,
validated target and in vivo active compounds for the pharmaceutical and
agrichemical industries. Devgen's lead is based on the industrialization of
the model organism C. elegans, a microscopic worm, which shows similar cell
types and biochemical pathways to humans and offers unique benefits over
traditional animal models or biochemical in vitro approaches to drug
research. Today, the company has raised € 37 million in different rounds and
has a staff of over 80 people. For more information, please visit Devgen's
website at http://www.devgen.com.

About C. elegans
   The microscopic C. elegans is an ideal laboratory organism for drug
discovery. This nearly transparent roundworm has intestines, muscles and a
complex nervous system that are startlingly similar to humans in chemical
structure. Most of the worm's genes are also found in humans. The worm's DNA
sequences are known in full and are, moreover, very much shorter than those
of humans (100 million letters for the worm, compared to 3 billion in the
human), which greatly simplifies the search for their functions in the
genome.  By scanning human sequences, and searching through known sections of
model organisms such as mice, C. elegans, and Drosophila, Devgen is
investigating the functions of various combinations of letters.  In this way,
it is possible to narrow down the search for medical treatments and defective
genes.

About IBM
   IBM is the world's largest information technology company, with 80 years
of leadership in helping businesses innovate.  IBM Life Sciences brings
together IBM resources, from research and e-business expertise to data and
storage management and high-performance computing, to offer new solutions for
the life sciences market, including biotechnology, genomic, e-health,
pharmaceutical, and agri-science industries.  The fastest way to get more
information about IBM Life Sciences is through its website
http://www.ibm.com/solutions/lifesciences.

About Computers & Communications
   Computers & Communications is a systems house founded in 1987 and
dedicated to UNIX and network implementations.  Since 1994, C&C has been an
official IBM Business Partner in the area of eServer hardware and e-business
software. Today, C&C is responsible for managing over 450 servers, including
IBM eServer systems for AIX and Linux operating systems, mainly installed at
small and medium-sized businesses.  With a team of 35 people, C&C is a
reliable, dynamic solution partner. More information can be found at
http://www.cac.be.

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*  Indicates trademark or registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
** Indicates trademark or registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.