Gene Logic Inc announced the signing of a multi-year business agreement with Aventis Inc, the U.S. pharmaceutical division of Aventis. Under the terms of the agreement, Aventis will subscribe to the Gene Logic ToxExpress System and use Gene Logic's toxicogenomics services to evaluate and prioritize leads based on toxic profiles and to better understand the mechanisms of toxicity. In addition, Aventis becomes the first customer with enterprise-wide use of Gene Logic's pre-formatted, summary gene expression data resource, the Ascenta System, for target discovery and prioritization. Financial details of the business agreement were not disclosed.

Mark D. Gessler, Chairman and CEO commented, "Our information offerings and services help customers identify targets and prioritize lead compounds that are most likely to succeed. Aventis' decision to continue their use of our extensive human gene expression information offerings through the Ascenta System, and to adopt our leading toxicogenomics program and services, is a clear indication of their commitment to finding better ways to pursue improved development success rates. We look forward to working with Aventis in accelerating their global internal research and development efforts."

Gene Logic is a contract service provider to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and institutional researchers worldwide, combining extensive experience in sample collection and data analysis of gene expression information and expertise in preclinical safety and pharmacology studies and clinical trial consulting services. Service offerings are designed to improve the predictive value of research and pharmaceutical product development success rates.