CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(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.
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
Copyright Business Wire 2008
