Molsoft LLC and The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) Enter Into Research Collaboration Agreement

SAN DIEGO CA (BW HealthWire) July 13, 2000

Research Collaboration to Focus On Further Development of Software Engine for Functional and Structural Annotation of New Genomic Sequences and Protein Modeling

Molsoft LLC and The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) announced they have formed a research collaboration in which Molsoft will provide its ICM software for research in functional and structural annotation of new genomic sequences and protein modeling at TSRI. The Molsoft-ICM software utilizes a powerful and general global optimization method that provides TSRI researchers with an accurate, speedy and flexible method for structural annotation, protein structure modeling, and drug discovery. TSRI is a private, non-profit research organization engaged in basic biomedical science. Its eight scientific departments study all areas of modern biomedical research and synthetic bioorganic chemistry.

During the term of the agreement, TSRI and Molsoft will collaborate on defined joint projects. In the joint projects, Molsoft will grant TSRI a nonexclusive and restricted license to use Molsoft databases and software in gene discovery, functional genomics and drug discovery. TSRI will supply personnel and computer facilities to be used in the joint projects.

Ruben Abagyan, Ph.D., Founder of Molsoft LLC, joined TSRI in April 1999 as a Professor at Molecular Biology. Dr. Abagyan commented that, "I am especially pleased to see Molsoft enter into this collaboration because TSRI's scientists have gained world-wide recognition for their studies in structural biology and informatics. Molsoft and TSRI have already deployed and installed powerful computer clusters to perform flexible docking and ligand screening, and the collaboration is well on the way to discovering new therapeutic molecules."

Molsoft is a growing company that is devoted to the development of new software to aid in computational biology. Its ICM software uses the latest and most powerful algorithms to perform complex molecular manipulations and database interactions.

Molsoft is used by major academic institutions, government organizations, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, including the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Foundation; the National Institutes of Health, Washington D.C.; Karolinska Institute, Sweden; New York University; Pharmacia & Upjohn- Sweden and Italy (Molsoft ICM selected in cancer therapeutic area as main platform for biomolecular modeling); SmithKline Beecham - US and UK; Bristol-Myers Squibb; and Structural Bioinformatics Inc. For more information about Molsoft, visit www.molsoft.com.

TSRI, one of the country's largest, private, non-profit research organizations, has always stood at the forefront of basic biomedical science research. The Institute has become internationally recognized for its basic research into immunology, molecular and cellular biology, chemistry, neurosciences, and synthetic vaccine development. Particularly significant is TSRI's study of the basic structure and design of biological molecules; in this area, it is among a handful of the world's leading centers. For more information about TSRI, visit www.scripps.edu.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements by TSRI and Molsoft and actual results could differ materially from those described as a result of factors outside of the control of Molsoft or TSRI.

CONTACT: Molsoft LLC

Crystal Crawford, General Counsel
Telephone: 858/625-2000, ext. 102
Email: crystal@molsoft.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICINE BIOTECHNOLOGY PHARMACEUTICAL

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