Ocimum Biosolutions and the US-based Genome Explorations have entered into collaboration as part of which the latter will extend support in developing Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), determining gene expression profiles of RNA samples and offering wet lab facilities to clients of Ocimum in India.

Genome Explorations primarily carries out differential gene expression profiling, which involves processing and analyzing the samples by using the Affymetrix GeneChip platform offering a complete solution to academic institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The platform provides investigators a means to monitor gene expression in basic research and clinical models.

Genome Explorations, which has GLP compliant lab facilities, is in an advanced stage of obtaining US FDA nod. The company is in talks with Pfizer and Lilly for studies on Leukaemia and until the discussion reaches a concrete stage, no specific details can be shared, Dr Divyen H Patel, founder and chief executive officer, Genome Explorations, told Pharmabiz.

Commenting on the collaboration agreement, Anuradha Acharya, CEO of Ocimum said, "The Company has so far received overwhelming response from Pharma, Biotech, research and academic institutions for its services. The collaboration with Genome Explorations will help the company in offering more services to Indian industry using the partner's capabilities and facilities. The tie up is a perfect fit as Genome will be able to use the proprietary bioinformatics tool, LIMS for microarray analysis and Ocimum can use the partner's services in processing the samples and generate data."

Through this collaboration, Genome has forayed into offering microarray analysis outsourcing services to Indian companies. The proprietary platform used by Genome can ensure higher accuracy in gene expression. Companies can send samples to Ocimum, which will send them to Genome and after analysis, the data will be sent through email in 2-3 days.

Ocimum is a life sciences contract research and development company with competencies in Bioinformatics, LIMS, Genomics, Proteomics and customized contract research services with operations in USA and India. The company offers contract research services including diagnostic services, gene synthesis services for pharmaceutical companies and fermentation services to biologicals and non-biologicals. It has ISO 9001:2000 certification to its credit.