Molecular Connections (MC) has entered into a literature mining
collaboration with Altana Research Institute (ARI), Boston, wherein it would
mine thousands of papers and create customized target reports for ARI. The
collaboration involves Molecular Connections' scientists working closely with
scientists from ARI to identify and curate all the literature and public
information available on genes affecting a specific disease condition. The
comprehensive and structure information package created by MC is expected to
help ARI scientists to identify, prioritize and validate the targets in a more
effective fashion. As a part of the collaboration, MC would provide large number
of "Target" reports. A target report will provide in a concise form
information about various aspects of a given gene, i.e., whether they are
assayable, what is their expression pattern, antibodies available etc. collated
from vast number of papers published for those genes. ARI's scientists are
applying the technology platform towards the identification of new therapeutic
approaches for treatment of inflammatory and respiratory diseases,
gastrointestinal disorders and cancer. Jignesh Bhate, CEO, Molecular
Connections, said "Literature mining is our core strength and working
closely with the ARI scientists we intend to deliver significant value to ARI's
discovery efforts." The financial details of the collaboration were not
disclosed.