Drug Discovery Through Geration of Gene-Sequence Tags of the P. Falciparum Genome

Eikos LLC will carry out research designed to address the shortage of drug discovery research for malaria. Using a genes first approach to sequencing the genome of P. Falciparum, Eikos will produce a library of over 2,500 gene sequence tags of P. Falciparum and analyze the resulting database with state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools. In addition, computational folding and initial analysis of promising targets will begin. Eikos will identify overexpression methods best suited to P. Falciparum genes. In the anticipated Fast Track Phase II program, Eikos will begin cloning and overexpression of full length genes of promising targets. Eikos' Fast Track position will enable a more ambitious gene sequence tag program in Phase II of 15-20 thousand gene sequence tags. By the end of this SBIR program, Eikos will generate a sequence database of containing over 80% of P. Falciparum genes, with the most promising protein targets characterized in support of Phase III drug discovery. Eikos has assembled a team unequaled in expertise for this sequencing project including, Professor John Dame, University of Florida and Dr. Nathan Goodman, from the Jackson Laboratory. This research will provide the cornerstone for a larger anti-malarial program at Eikos. BENEFITS: The commercial applications of the proposed research are numerous, especially for antimalarial drugs and other anti-infectives used by international travelers. Antimalarial drugs also have applications in cancer chemotherapy and for opportunistic infections in HIV patients.