Drug Discovery--European Advances in Genomics and Proteomics

SUMMARY

Genomics and Proteomics Research in Europe is Thriving

The European Union (EU) has become a popular hub for advanced research into genomics andproteomics. This can be attributed to the significant government funding at both the national leveland from individual EU agencies. Moreover, Europe houses some of the largest pharmaceuticalcompanies that are extending their support to research programs related to genomics and proteomics,either in-house or in collaboration with smaller firms. The primary goal is to go beyond the realmsof human genome sequencing and expand the list of identified proteins and genes, which willultimately aid in understanding disease mechanisms and developing corresponding therapeutics.

This Technical Insights research service analyses key developments in proteomics and genomics andits impact on the field of drug discovery and development. In addition to evaluating research trendsin companies and universities in the EU, this study evaluates the important technology drivers andchallenges. Participants can use this research service to identify potential collaborators, stayahead of the competition and remain abreast of critical developments.

Genomics and Proteomics Gaining Prominence as Primary Tools for Drug Discovery

While the potential of genomics and proteomics is constantly growing, the most lucrativeapplications lie in the field of drug discovery and development and molecular diagnostics.Proteomics and genomics are expected to be key tools in target identification and validation andultimately expanding the list of cellular targets. "New information on the molecular mechanismsresponsible for disease has enhanced the identification and validation processes," says theanalyst of this research. "With regard to molecular diagnostics, the expectation is thatdiseases with a genetic component can be treated according to specific genetic markers, medicationsand dosages that are optimized for individual patients."

Human genomic research is accelerating as scientists seek effective therapies with the ability totarget the appropriate genes for activation inhibition or replacement. The target genes aremultiplying in numbers and researchers are hoping to develop treatments for a wide variety ofdisorders, from cystic fibrosis to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Enabling Technologies are Accelerating Progress in Genomics and Proteomics

Emerging technologies such as microarrays, automation and robotics are taking genomics andproteomics research to new heights. "Weeks, if not months, were initially required to elucidatethe expression of a single gene," observes the analyst. "Now, tens and thousands of genescan be studied in a single afternoon." In addition, previously time-consuming andskill-intensive assays and preparations can now be accomplished thousands of samples at a time andwithin a few hours. This is made possible through new computer-modelling approaches such asmolecular dynamics (MD), ligand docking (LD), pharmacophore modelling (PM), homology modelling (HM)and enzyme-substrate modelling (ESM).

Since conventional technologies such as 2D gel electrophoresis pose certain limitations,development of new technologies such as isotope coded affinity tags, 2D chromatographic separation,terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI) and terahertz pulsed spectroscopy (TPS) and protein arrays are alsogaining importance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

• Introduction
• Genomics
• Proteomics
• Primary Applications: Drug Discovery and Molecular Diagnostics
• Market Trends

Scope and Methodology

• Scope
• Methodology

2 PRIMER ON GENOMICS AND PROTEOMICS TECHNOLOGIES

Genomics

• Introduction
• SNP Profiling
• Functional Genomics
• Structural Genomics
• Pharmacogenomics
• Toxicogenomics
• Chemical Genomics (Chemogenomics)

Proteomics

• Introduction
• Proteomics Techniques

Related Fields of Study

• Glycomics and Other "Omics"
• Systems Biology

3 APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS AND TRENDS

Genomics

• Drug Discovery
• Molecular Diagnostics

Proteomics

• Drug Discovery
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Antibodies as Therapeutics

4 NOTEWORTHY INNOVATION AT KEY ACADEMIC AND GOVERNMENT-RELATED INSTITUTIONS

Analysis and Ranking of Application Segments

• Introduction
• Regulatory Hurdles

Genomics

• DNA Chips
• Human Epigenome Project

Proteomics

• Protein Chips
• German Research Foundation To Establish Seven New Research Centers

5 NOTEWORTHY INNOVATION BY KEY COMPANIES

Genomics

• Pharmacogenomics
• Genome Sequencing
• Gene Expression
• Reverse Genomics
• Functional Genomics
• Applications
• Labeling and Detection Methods
• DNA Chips and Microarrays
• Chemical Genomics
• Additional Genomics Companies

Proteomics

• Protein Crystallography
• Spectroscopy
• Antibodies for Protein Identification; Auto-Immune Research
• Detection and Labeling
• Protein and Antibody Expression Systems
• Protein-Protein Interaction
• Protein chips
• Applications
• Additional Proteomics Companies

The Other ics

• Glycomics
• Bioinformatics

6 REGULATORY AND POLITICAL FACTORS

Government Guidelines and Support

• FDA Guidelines
• Governmental Support; Both Financial and IP Protection; Are Needed

Pharmaceutical Industry Response

• Pharmaceutical Industry Reluctance
• Fear of the New

7 INDUSTRY TRENDS

Market Trends

• Genomics
• Proteomics And Systems Biology

Enabling Technologies and Their Markets

• Electrophoresis and Proteome Informatics
• DNA and Protein Microarrays
• Spectroscopy and Chromatography
• Labs-on-a-Chip--Miniaturization Brings Higher Throughput with Less Sample
• Multiplexing and Biomarker-Based Diagnostics Market
• Automation
• New Tools for Genomics
• High-Throughput Screening Technologies Accelerate Drug Discovery

8 TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION FACTOR ANALYSIS

Technology Drivers

• Technology Features and Benefits
• Adoption Drivers for Genomics and Proteomics
• Analysis of Funding

Technology Restraints

• Technology or Product Development Restraints
• Competing Technologies and Complexity

9 CONTACTS AND PATENTS

Contacts

• European Companies
• Non-European Companies

Patents

• Patents--Section I
• Patents-- Section II

10 FROST & SULLIVAN 2005 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS

Technology Innovation

• Award Description
• Award Recipient

Technology Leadership

• Award Description
• Award Recipient

Product Leadership

• Award Description
• Award Recipient

11 DECISION SUPPORT DATABASE

Decision Support Database Relevant To This Study

• Government Healthcare Expenditure
• Private Healthcare Expenditure
• Total Healthcare Expenditure
• Government Biotech R&D Investments
• Private Biotech R&D Investments
• Pharma R&D Expenditure