Selected Start-Ups (4/00)

In Vivo summarizes the technologies of several recently founded companies: Ardais Corp., is creating information products from consolidating high-quality, reliable biological samples and related information for use in drug discovery and development. BeneCor Heart Systems was founded in September 1999 to develop and commercialize a totally implantable, permanent heart replacement device. Chronix Biomedical will focus on the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases by detecting what it calls "reshuffled genes," the detours the human genome map takes when confronted with viruses or other toxins. Founded in July 1999 by a group of former Columbia University physicians and scientists, MediData Solutions Inc. will offer new software and technology for managing clinical trials. Spiration is developing devices to treat pulmonary diseases, in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which no cure exists.

Ardais Corp.

Address:One Ledgemont Center

128 Spring Street

Lexington, MA 02421

Phone:[phone]

Web site:www.ardais.com

Ardais Corp. , formerly CellStore Corp., is creating information products from consolidating high-quality, reliable biological samples and related information for use in drug discovery and development. The company is pursuing collaborations with leading research-based medical institutions to standardize the process of collecting and integrating materials and information. Ardais was seeded with $9 million, and is headed by Eric B. Gordon, formerly president and CEO of ArQule Inc.

BeneCor Heart Systems

Address:3165 Heather Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Phone:[phone]

Web site:www.benecorheart.com

BeneCor Heart Systems was founded in September 1999 to develop and commercialize a totally implantable, permanent heart replacement device. Benecor's technology is licensed from Penn State University, which developed the artificial heart in conjunction with Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. (3M) . James M. Koert is Benecor's president.

Chronix Biomedical

Address:c/o Calypte Biomedical Corp.

1265 Harbor Bay Parkway

Alameda, CA 94502

Phone:[phone]

Chronix Biomedical will focus on the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases by detecting what it calls "reshuffled genes," the detours the human genome map takes when confronted with viruses or other toxins. Chronix was founded in March 2000 by Howard Urnovitz, PhD, also the founder and CSO of Calypte Biomedical Corp. Calypte will retain rights to any urine diagnostic tests that result from Chronix's research efforts.

MediData Solutions Inc.

Address:30 East 60th Street

Suite 1007

New York, NY 10022

Phone:[phone]

Web site:www.medidatasolutions.com

Founded in July 1999 by a group of former Columbia University physicians and scientists, MediData Solutions Inc. will offer new software and technology for managing clinical trials. MediData's platform digitally captures patient and investigator data, authenticates it through biometrics, and consolidates and transmits it over a secure network. It will also allow real-time analysis of data and continual monitoring of data collection quality, reducing the possibilities for error and information fraud.

Spiration

Address:14955 NE 95 Street

Redmond, WA 98052

Phone:[phone]

Spiration is developing devices to treat pulmonary diseases, in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which no cure exists. Spiration was founded by Clifton A. Alferness, who also founded CHF device company Acorn Cardiovascularand implantable defibrillator manufacturer InControl Inc. Spiration has raised $1.95 million since its formation in September 1999.

Target Discovery Inc.

Address:1539 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

Phone:[phone]

E-mail:[email protected]

New proteomics entry Target Discovery Inc. will offer protein expression profiles of healthy and comparative diseased tissue to clients pursuing gene-based drug and diagnostics discovery. The company's technology bypasses 2D gel electrophoresis and mass ladder sequencing, enabling it to offer improved quantification precision, sensitivity, and sequencing speed over current methods. Jeffrey N. Peterson is Target's CEO.

TurboGenomics

Address:One Century Tower

265 Church Street

New Haven, CT 06510

Phone:[phone]

Fax:[phone]

Web site:www.turbogenomics.com

TurboGenomicsis a new bioinformatics application service provider (ASP). Its web-based platform offers high-speed analysis of life science data, easy integration of data and software from diverse sources, and is designed for scientists with only rudimentary computer skills. TurboGenomics was spun off of Scientific Computing Associates, which will serve as a technology partner. Gregory E. Gardiner, PhD, the former head of Yale University 's technology transfer office, is CEO.