hermo Fisher Scientific Announces Collaboration with Queen`s University Belfast for the Analysis of Peptides within Amphibian Venoms
Released on: October 30, 2008, 4:05 am
Press Release Author: Thermo Fisher Scientific
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Press Release Summary: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced its collaboration with the Molecular Therapeutics Research Group at the School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast to analyze peptides within amphibian venom. The facility is using a Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL(tm) high performance mass spectrometer on a trial basis with the aim of expanding its research capabilities to deliver the mass accuracy required for complex peptide identification and the data reliability needed for the de novo sequencing of peptides.
Press Release Body: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Media Contact Information: Name: Laura Browne/ Sophie Downend Phone: +44 1477 539539 Email: thermouk@scottpr.com
Secondary Contact Information: Dr Paul Humphrey +44 1442 233555 paul.humphrey@thermofisher.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific Announces Collaboration with Queen's University Belfast for the Analysis of Peptides within Amphibian Venoms
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, UK. (October 29, 2008) - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced its collaboration with the Molecular Therapeutics Research Group at the School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast to analyze peptides within amphibian venom. The facility is using a Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL(tm) high performance mass spectrometer on a trial basis with the aim of expanding its research capabilities to deliver the mass accuracy required for complex peptide identification and the data reliability needed for the de novo sequencing of peptides.
Headed by Professor Chris Shaw, specialist in novel peptide drug discovery, the Molecular Therapeutics Research Group is currently focusing its efforts on the isolation, structural characterization and functional evaluation of novel peptides extracted from amphibian, snake and arthropod venoms. Previous research in this area by other scientists has unearthed a number of groundbreaking drug discoveries including potential treatment for high blood pressure and possible cures for deep vein thrombosis and heart disease. Recognizing the huge potential for drug discovery from the analysis of natural peptides, Shaw now hopes that the research facility at Queen's University Belfast will prove pivotal in the future of drug discovery.
Professor Chris Shaw comments: "The LTQ Orbitrap XL is a state-of-the-art instrument in terms of advanced proteomics and small molecule analysis. The system's incredible mass accuracy enables much easier de novo sequencing, thus lowering productivity costs and the unit cost of identifying each peptide structure."
Shaw continues, "The revolutionary Orbitrap technology has enabled us to determine that the synthetic replicate produced in analysis is highly accurate in terms of molecular characterization identical to the natural compound. This means our researchers can now be 100% confident that they have the correct molecule for the research program. This is the first time that this has been possible using this type of proteomics instrumentation, and it means that we can avoid the possibility of working for years on fruitless research."
Based on the fast and highly sensitive Thermo Scientific LTQ XL(tm) linear ion trap and the patented Orbitrap(tm) technology, the LTQ Orbitrap XL high performance mass spectrometer supports a wide range of applications from routine compound identification to the most challenging analysis of low level components in complex mixtures.
Queen's University Belfast believes that these trials will mark the start of significant advancement in this research area and enable novel peptide drug discovery leads in the future. For more information about the Thermo Scientific LTQ Orbitrap XL high performance mass spectrometer, please call +1 800-532-4752, e-mail analyze@thermo.com or visit www.thermo.com/orbitrap.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With annual revenues of $10 billion, we have more than 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit www.thermofisher.com.
For further press information please contact: Laura Browne, The Scott Partnership, 1 Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AA, United Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539539 Fax: +44 1477 539540 E-mail: thermouk@scottpr.com ###
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Contact Details: The Scott Partnership, 1 Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire CW4 8AA, United Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539539 Fax: +44 1477 539540 E-mail: thermouk@scottpr.com