Helicos Launches Open Access Web Site With Microbial Genome Data
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov 14, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ:HLCS) today announced the launch of the HeliSphere(TM) Technology Center, an open access Web site (http://open.helicosbio.com/) for sharing Helicos data sets and bioinformatics software tools. Launched during the 58th annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, the open source site showcases single molecule sequence reads from whole genome resequencing and digital gene expression runs using the Helicos(TM) Genetic Analysis System. The first sample datasets released include whole genome sequences of the microbes Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Rhodobacter sphaeroides, sequenced with consensus accuracies greater than 99.995%. Each sample dataset, containing between six and 12 million aligned reads, was generated from one channel of a 50-channel run on
the HeliScope(TM) Single Molecule Sequencer. "These
data constitute the first demonstration of whole genome sequencing at the single molecule level, and highlight the unique benefits of scalability, even coverage and high accuracy afforded by Helicos True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)(TM) technology," explained Helicos Chief Executive Officer Steve Lombardi. Data from a number of exciting sequencing projects currently underway will be posted on the HeliSphere(TM) Technology Center Web site on a regular basis. In addition to Helicos data sets, the new Web site is also a gateway to Helicos' open source project, which includes downloadable source code and software documentation and is hosted on the Web site http://sourceforge.net/. "The open access site benefits customers and software developers, as well as the wider scientific community by making not only
datasets, but source code and support tools easily
accessible," added Lombardi. The site supports "tarball" downloads of the source code and uses well known shared access tools, such as Wiki docs and Mailman mailing lists. The Helicos(TM) Technology Center will also feature an open bug tracking system and will entertain patch submissions from developers. Source code can be licensed through the widely used free software license GPL (general public license) for general use and through a commercial license for corporate partners. Passwords to access this open source Web site are available to qualified scientists upon request. About Helicos BioSciences Helicos BioSciences is a life science company focused on innovative genetic analysis technologies for the research, drug discovery, and diagnostic markets. Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS)(TM) technology allows direct measurement of
billions of strands of DNA, enabling scientists to perform experiments and ask questions never before possible. Helicos is a recipient of the $1,000 genome grant and is committed to providing scientists the tools to unlock the era of genomic medicine. The company's corporate headquarters are located at One Kendall Square, Building 700, Cambridge, MA 02139, and its telephone number is (617) 264-1800. For more information, please visit www.helicosbio.com. Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, Helicos' expectations concerning the
Web site discussed in this press release and management's
plans, objectives and strategies. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Helicos' control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, our ability to successfully complete the manufacturing process and commercialize the Helicos(TM) Genetic Analysis System; competition; changing technology and customer requirements; our ability to operate in an emerging market; market acceptance of our technology; our ability to retain our personnel and hire additional skilled personnel; our ability to manage our rapid growth and our ability to obtain capital when desired on favorable terms. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Helicos undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by Helicos, see the disclosure contained in Helicos' public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE: Helicos BioSciences Corporation Helicos BioSciences Corporation
Investor Relations Contact:
Justine Alonzo, 617-264-1822
Investor Relations
InvestorRelations@helicosbio.com
or
Ruder Finn Public Relations
Media Contact:
Rachel Spielman, 212-583-2714 (office)
646-872-2985 (cell)
spielmanr@ruderfinn.com
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