Ocimum in JV with Genome of US

B V Mahalakshmi - Hyderabad

As part of its expansion plans to enter wet lab activities, Ocimum Biosolutions, engaged in lifescience contract research and development, has signed a joint venture agreement with the US-based Genome Explorations Inc.

The agreement would help to offer services in determining gene expression profiles of RNA samples. While Ocimum’s contract research services include analytical diagnostic services and gene synthesis services, Genome Explorations has developed a proprietary solution for gene expression profiling. Through this joint venture, Genome has made its entry into the Indian R&D biotech segment to outsource microarray jobs. Ocimum CEO Anuradha Acharya said, “It’s a win-win solution for both of us. We will be using their services to process the samples (extract of total RNA) and generate data on the expression of genes in basic research. In turn, Genome would be using our proprietary bioinformatic tool, Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) for microarray analysis. We are also trying to come out with a range of LIMS through this partnership.”

According to Genome CEO Divyen H Patel, the company provides gene expression using the Affymetrix GeneChip platform which helps in basic research and clinical models. “We will be working with Ocimum to address the needs of Indian clients for conducting gene expression profiles,” he said. All that one has to do is to send samples to Ocimum, which in turn, will ship them to Genome and the analysed data of the sample is sent through e-mail in about three days. Further, Genome is planning to get USFDA approval of its facility. This means, the company would give supportive data to go for FDA approvals for other companies, he said.

“With our proprietary platform, the accuracy of the expression is much higher. As clinical trials have to be conducted in FDA-approved facilities, we in turn can generate supportive data for the samples through microarray technology,” he said. Incidentally, microarray technology can be used to enhance diagnosis of pediatric leukemia, according to one of his findings. Besides, Ocimum has formed a marketing alliance with the UK-based Science-Partners Ltd. As part of the deal, Science-Partners is expected to market and distribute Ocimum’s LIMS which includes Biotracker, Pharmatracker, Toxchek and bioinformatic tools including Genchek, Genowiz, iRNAchek, Optgene and Nutrabase in the UK and North European market.

Meanwhile, with operations both in the US and India, Ocimum is upbeat on contract research services in the US. The bioinformatics company is offering services in high-throughput DNA extractions from a variety of materials. Further, small-scale fermentation services in the form of cell paste are offered to pharma and biotech companies besides protein testing, DNA-based testing for the genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food materials.

— Financial Express