Press Releases
For Immediate Release
June 03, 2005
Contact:
Carolyn Hawley
Canale Communications for Orion Genomics
619-849-5375
carolyn@canalecomm.com
Orion Genomics Awarded 2005 Missouri Governor's Technology Award
ST. LOUIS, MO - On June 3, 2005, Orion Genomics, LLC was recognized with the 2005 Governor's Technology Award. The award was presented to Nathan Lakey, President and CEO, at the annual awards banquet, culminating the 47th Annual Governor's Business Development Conference. The Governor's Technology Award acknowledges one leading edge company that has developed a new technology and has adopted or applied innovative manufacturing processes or business practices.
Orion Genomics is a St. Louis-based biotechnology company located in the Center for Emerging Technologies, developing non-invasive diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancer in the human health sector and providing genomic research services to the agricultural sector. In the past year Orion has entered into license and collaboration agreements with various institutions, including Washington University, to develop diagnostic tests that will allow for the early detection of certain cancers through a simple blood test. In addition, Orion's profitable agricultural business unit continues to market proprietary crop genome sequencing services. Plant genome sequences are being used by Orion's partners to understand the genetic basis of yield and disease resistance, and drought tolerance. Crops are being improved for more efficient food production and the development of bio-fuels.
Over its seven-year history, Orion has successfully launched two discrete business units: a Molecular Diagnostics Business Unit and a Genomic Analysis Business Unit. These two business units have many important synergies because both businesses rely on Second Code core technologies. Orion Genomics has trademarked the term "Second Code" to describe epigenetic information. Instead of focusing solely on the DNA sequence, Orion is capitalizing on recent discoveries that link epigenetic events to cancer. Orion focuses on using analysis of DNA methylation (i.e., Second Code information) to bring novel early detection molecular diagnostics to market and to offer novel products and services to the life sciences community.
About Orion Genomics
Orion Genomics, the Second Code Company, develops epigenetic research tools and molecular diagnostic products to fulfill the promise of personalized medicine. Orion's lead product is a simple blood-based test that is being developed to identify people at elevated risk for colorectal cancer. The company has active biomarker discovery programs in cancers of the bladder, breast, lung, ovaries and colon, and the company offers genomics services to the medical, agricultural and bio-fuels research communities. Orion Genomics is located in the Center for Emerging Technologies in St. Louis. For more information, visit the Orion Genomics website at http://www.oriongenomics.com.