Applied Biosystems and Integromics have developed a fully integrated, large-scale data management and analysis platform, together with Novartis Pharma.
The platform combines advanced bioinformatics software with high throughput real-time PCR systems in order to analyse large volumes of real-time gene expression data, such as those produced for biomarker analysis in drug development or clinical studies.
Novartis is leading an initiative to promote the use of gene expression biomarkers in drug development studies and recently conducted a large-scale pilot study using TaqMan Arrays from Applied Biosystems.
Studies like this that yield such large volumes of high throughput data require new analysis tools, and the development of the Real-Time StatMiner platform allows the analysis of these types of data.
This unique solution integrates the Integromics Real-Time StatMiner software with the Applied Biosystems's line of real-time PCR systems and TaqMan Arrays.
Raw data are captured from these technologies and analysed using the StatMiner software's combination of interactive data visualisation tools, advanced statistical analysis and data mining.
The collaboration has resulted in a fully integrated platform for seamless analysis of real-time gene expression data produced during biomarker analysis.
The new system eliminates the need for multiple applications and interfaces, and allows gene expression data analysis to be performed in a unique secure environment.
The StatMiner software provides sophisticated statistical analysis tools that are presented in a user-friendly format, making them accessible even to non-bioinformatics experts.
The software is particularly useful for identifying outliers and features valuable normalization capabilities.
Combined with the innovative features provided by the PCR plate and TaqMan Array, real-time PCR data analysis is faster and more reliable than before.
"This marks an important step towards consolidating real-time PCR as a method for analysing gene expression biomarkers in pharmaceutical and clinical research," said Xavier Cristina, Applied Biosystems's European manager for business development in functional analysis.
"Working in collaboration with Integromics, we have created a solution that supports our mutual customers such as Novartis in their gene expression research, by enabling them to turn their data into meaningful information for use in a range of research projects including drug discovery and development".
Integromics is an innovative developer of data management, integration and analysis software used in genomics and proteomics research.
The company's Real-Time StatMiner software is a standalone application that is also available as an integrated guide within other leading laboratory data analysis systems.
"We believe in building solutions through collaborations, and working with a company like Novartis has enriched our knowledge of researchers' needs for high throughput analysis," said Imad Yassin, commercial director at Integromics.
"The Real-Time StatMiner application is now able to accommodate both large and small-scale projects, while continuing to deliver high quality results in all cases."
