Althea: Measuring expression
As a dizzying array of genomic information pours out of the human genome project and other sequencing efforts, companies need ways to uncover the best genes to pursue as therapeutic targets. Althea Technologies Inc. recognizes the increasing reliance of drug developers and the FDA on niche information such as gene quantification and nucleic acid extraction to make use of the reams of raw genetic information now available.
According to CEO and CSO Francois Ferre, Althea was founded to take advantage of the fact that although gene expression analysis technology existed, the "know-how to make it useful to research and development was missing." The quantification of gene expression in various tissues - Ferre's forte - combined with extraction of nucleic acids from a variety of tissues, comprise Althea's primary expertise...