Gene expression profiling

Xenometrix Inc. received a European patent that is said covers most gene expression profiles obtained by applying a chemical compound to a eukaryotic cell. The company believes that the patent covers a broad array of gene expression technologies and that many companies' drug discovery and optimization technologies could fall under this claim umbrella. However, companies focusing on drug discovery and optimization have assessed the patent differently.

According to XENO patent counsel Paul Koivuniemi, European Patent No. 0680517 is infringed if an experiment includes three components. First, it must be conducted in eukaryotic cells, including human, animal, yeast and plant cells. Second, a chemical compound must be applied to the cells or tissue. Finally, the information sought must be expression data from more than one gene in the cells...