Helicos Announces Nature Publication on First Evidence of RNA Copying Mechanisms in Human Cells -- Joint Research with University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,
Integromics, Inc. and the University of Geneva Medical School --
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jul 29, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ: HLCS) today announced a
publication demonstrating the detection and quantification of novel
small RNA molecules using Helicos' single-molecule sequencing
technology. These data confirm a long-held, unproven hypothesis that
mammalian cells are capable of synthesizing RNA by copying RNA molecules
directly. The findings are presented in a paper, entitled "New class of
gene-termini-associated human RNAs suggests a novel RNA copying
mechanism," by Kapranov, et al, available today in Nature.
"For the first time, we have evidence to support the hypothesis that
human cells have the widespread ability to copy RNA as well as DNA,"
said Bino John, Ph.D., assistant professor of computational biology,
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "These findings emphasize
the complexity of human RNA populations and suggest the important role
for single molecule-sequencing for accurate and comprehensive genetic
profiling."
Today's Nature publication presents joint research findings, utilizing
Helicos' proprietary true Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS(TM)) technology
to profile small RNAs from human cells and tissues. The study uncovered
several new classes of RNAs that are produced by uncharacterized RNA
copying mechanisms. Such RNA copying mechanisms have been well
documented in plants and simple organisms, but this work provides the
first supporting evidence for such a mechanism in human cells.
"This class of non-coding RNA molecules has been historically overlooked
because available sequencing platforms are often unable to provide
accurate detection and quantification," commented Dr. Patrice Milos,
Chief Scientific Officer at Helicos. "This study supports our belief
that Helicos' tSMS technology provides the platform capability to
identify and quantitate these RNAs and reinforces the potential clinical
advantages of our single molecule-sequencing platform."
The Nature publication (Vol. 466, No. 7306) was co-authored by Drs. Bino
John, A. Paula Monaghan and Sang Woo Kim, of the University of
Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Dr. Sylvain Foissac from Integromics,
Inc.; Drs. Stylianos Antonarakis and Christelle Borel of the University
of Geneva Medical School and Drs. Philipp Kapranov, Doron Lipson, Fatih
Ozsolak, Chris Hart, Steve Roels and Patrice Milos of Helicos
BioSciences Corporation.
The work cited in this paper was funded by the American Cancer Society,
the National Institutes of Health, the Swiss National Science
Foundation, Integromics, Inc., and Helicos BioSciences Corporation.
Additional information can be found in Helicos' Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC
on April 15, 2010, together with its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the first fiscal quarter 2010, as filed with the SEC on May 17, 2010.
These reports include a discussion regarding the company's need to raise
capital to pursue its new business of developing molecular diagnostic
tests, disclosures regarding the company's operational results and
liquidity position, and additional disclosures regarding other risks and
uncertainties faced by Helicos.
About Helicos BioSciences:
Helicos BioSciences is focused on innovative genetic analysis
technologies for the development and marketing of molecular diagnostic
tests. Helicos' proprietary True Single Molecule Sequencing (tSMS(TM))
technology allows the direct measurement of natural DNA without the
confounding steps of sample manipulation or nucleic acid amplification.
Helicos is committed to commercializing new options for patients and
physicians seeking reliable, cost-efficient molecular diagnostic
results. For more information, please visit www.helicosbio.com.
Forward Looking Statements:
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, the
prospective value of the unique attributes of single molecule sequencing
in the diagnostics markets and the potential clinical advantages of the
single molecule-sequencing platform, Helicos' belief that its technology
is capable of meeting needs in the diagnostics markets in the near term,
Helicos' beliefs regarding its ability to introduce successful
diagnostic sequencing applications utilizing Helicos technology,
Helicos' beliefs regarding competition from other companies in the
diagnostics market, 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 implement a strategic shift to focus the business on the
diagnostics markets utilizing the HeliScope Sequencer; a third party
suing us for infringement of intellectual property rights; the costs of,
and potential for an adverse outcome from, any intellectual property
litigation; our history of operating losses and ability to achieve
profitability; our ability to sustain our technology and know-how;
competition; changing technology and customer requirements; our ability
to operate in an emerging market; market acceptance of our technology;
the length of our sales and implementation cycles in the diagnostics
markets; failure of our technology and products; ethical, legal and
social concerns surrounding the use of genetic information; our ability
to retain our remaining personnel following our May 2010 reduction in
force and our ability to hire additional skilled personnel required to
pursue our diagnostics strategy; our ability to manage our growth while
operating with limited resources; our ability to control our operating
expenses; general economic and business conditions; our ability to
obtain capital when desired on favorable terms including our need for
significant additional capital prior to the end of the third quarter
2010 to fund our operations; our current financial resources and
substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern; and
the volatility of the market price of our common stock. Existing and
prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
While Helicos anticipates that subsequent developments may cause the
company's views to change, 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,
except as required by law. 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
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
Chris Erdman, 781-235-3060
Copyright Business Wire 2010
|
