Geneservice Ltd and RNAx GmbH launch PhenoFiler™ - A unique service platform for Gene Discovery and Validation

Geneservice Limited (GSL) Cambridge, UK, the leading contract research organisation and biological resource centre and RNAx GmbH (RNAx), Berlin, Germany, a company specialized in RNAi validation technology, announced today the launch of their new mRNA expression PhenoFiler™ service platform. This new platform brings together both companies unique expertise to create a single platform for gene discovery and validation.

Under the terms of the agreement RNAx provides GSL and its customers with in vitro si- and shRNA validation technology to complement GSL’s gene expression profiling and network analysis service, and vice versa. PhenoFilerTM will provide researchers with a complete solution for comprehensively profiling tens of thousands of genes and then immediately screening for molecular or cellular phenotypes in a co-ordinated set of experiments.

RNAx has developed a robust automated platform for the customized, rapid and cost effective validation of siRNAs, shRNAs and genetic targets in a broad variety of commonly used cell lines and primary cells, making the screening, selection and functional validation of si- and shRNAs affordable, even at high numbers of targets. Through a number of partnerships with leading European biotech companies, RNAx makes RNAi technology available to many applications during the target discovery and validation process – all the way from gene expression analysis to in vivo validation of more advanced targets.

GSL, a contract research organisation and biological resource centre, recently formed from the UK Medical Research Council that brings with it more than 10 years experience as a national core service laboratory and was one of the first national service providers of mRNA expression analysis in Europe. GSL has also developed novel bioinformatics tools for identifying important relationships between genes, establishing networks based on expression data.

“This agreement gives benefits to both companies: GSL’s customers through our one-stop approach will have access to gene silencing technology, and RNAx’ customers can take advantage of the full range of GSL’s technologies. The customer will not have the need to look for additional providers, and will deal with our two companies as if it was one entity. This will simplify and speed up the service for the customer. Results will be available faster, because our two companies know exactly how to integrate our technologies, commented Joerg Poetzsch, CEO of RNAx.

“We are very pleased to partner with RNAx, as this adds an important new dimension to our contract research capabilities and customer value”, said Tom Weaver, CEO of Geneservice.