July 8, 2002

Advancing its pioneering role in the emerging field of proteomics – the study of proteins – Partners HealthCare forged a new alliance with Zyomyx, a leading biotechnology company. In collaboration with Zyomyx, Partners will apply leading technology in protein chips to facilitate a better understanding of the changing form and function of complex proteins. With a clearer picture of protein function, scientists ultimately can enhance their capabilities in early disease detection and disease progression.

"The system that Zyomyx offers gives our scientists the means to measure large numbers of proteins simultaneously," says Samuel O. Thier, MD, Partners president and chief executive officer. "Applying this tool to the broad scope of our basic and clinical research should speed the discovery and development of clinically relevant products and further our goal of better care for patients."

The focus of the alliance, which was formally announced June 24, is centered on the establishment of a protein profiling research facility. This facility will be dedicated to identifying and validating protein biomarkers – research that Partners' scientists and physicians hope will provide another key to unlocking the codes to disease and ultimately will have an impact on new therapies for patients.

The facility is scheduled to open in September at the Partners research building in Cambridge. For more information about the new facility, send e-mail to Chris Colecchi at ccolecchi@partners.org.