Aurora Demonstrates Module 2 Of UHTSS Platform

Aurora Biosciences Corp. has completed a demonstration of the prototype subsystems for Module 2 of Aurora's Ultra-high Throughput Screening System (UHTSS) platform for Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., the first intended recipient for Module 2. This module includes the subsystems that prepare the plates with compounds and reagents as well as the devices necessary for miniaturized screening in the UHTSS. The demonstration involved the operation of individual components for miniaturized plate preparation and screening. Aurora plans to deliver Module 2 production subsystems to Bristol-Myers Squibb in the first half of 1999. Validation of these components by Bristol-Myers Squibb would trigger a delivery payment to Aurora.

The demonstration at Aurora's facility in San Diego displayed the plate handling capabilities of Aurora's proprietary Piezo Sample Distribution Robot, which reformats samples from standard microplates into NanoPlates (Aurora's proprietary 3,456 well microtiter plates), and the aspiration and dispensing of liquids by the 96-tip Piezo liquid handling components. Aurora also demonstrated the Reagent Dispensing Robot for filling NanoPlates with reagents including cells, and the Nanolmager detection system, designed to read and analyze fluorescent signals from NanoPlates, potentially at rates of over 500,000 assay points per 24 hours. Formal acceptance testing is scheduled for the first half of 1999.

Bristol-Myers Squibb was the first of four current syndicate members to establish a collaboration with Aurora on the development of the UHTSS platform and screening assays. Other companies that have joined Aurora's syndicate are Eli Lilly and Co. (January 1997), Warner-Lambert Co. (9 September 1997) and Merck & Co. (December 1997). Each syndicate member provides funding for the development of the UHTSS, receives the right to use certain of Aurora's fluorescent screening technologies and will receive its own UHTSS for use in its internal drug discovery programs. The final UHTSS module is scheduled for technical completion by the end of 1999.

For more information: Aurora Biosciences Corp., 11149 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92057, USA. Telephone: 619-452-5000. Fax: 619-452-5723.