Zyomyx: Proteomics Biochips

Protein biochips might sound like the next craze in nutritionally enhanced functional foods. To Zyomyx Inc., however, which is developing Proteomics Biochips to analyze protein interactions with other proteins or small molecules, it sounds like a commercial opportunity.

The company plans to develop its platform along the lines of DNA microarray companies such as Affymetrix Inc. (AFFX, Santa Clara, Calif.). "We really see ourselves as establishing the first functional protein biochip," said Peter Wagner, co-founder and chief technical officer. "What we found was a niche."...