Znomics is a unique company in the field of biotechnology, based upon its work with the freshwater zebrafish. The zebrafish is native to the southeastern Himalayan region of Asia, where it propagates in streams and other slow moving bodies of water. The thing that makes the zebrafish so special and critical to Znomics’ research is the genetic similarities it shares with human beings. In fact, between eighty and ninety percent of human DNA is identical to that of a zebrafish. This, coupled with the creature’s inherent predisposition to rapid rates of insertional mutagenesis (a process by which DNA is changed through the insertion of a base), make it an ideal candidate for the study of human disease.
Znomics realized this, and has since created a proprietary zebrafish genetic technology platform that allows for the development of highly advanced preclinical pharmaceuticals. With the help of this research platform and partnerships with other institutions, Znomics has engaged in drug discovery for obesity, cancer, and tisue inflammation. From its study of the zebrafish, the company derived its ZeneMark® Library; a mapping of roughly 11,000 mutational lines, or about half of the zebrafish’s genes.
In August of this year, 25-year pharmaceutical/biotechnology veteran executive Mark A, Philip, Ph.D, was appointed as the company’s new president and CEO. Dr. Phillip’s extensive experience in growing biopharmaceutical corporations is expected to affect Znomics’ future in an extremely positive way. Backed by a leading-edge scientific team led by Dr. Bruce Beutel, Mark Philip and Znomics have high hopes for up to three advanced preclinical compounds which, by 2010, the company expects to make ready for clinical trials.
Znomics is definitely a company to keep your eye on, as it advances further into its next-generation-level research of the zebrafish and its physiological makeup. The results of the company’s success could lead to huge breakthroughs in the field of biopharmaceutical development.
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