14 DAY TRIAL // Come 2010, Microsoft is looking to make available an evolved version of its health and life sciences research data platform. In this regard, the Redmond company announced the integration of new biosoftware technology focused on genetic, genomic, metabolomic and proteomics data management. The move comes as Microsoft has inked an agreement with Merck & Co. Inc. for the acquisition of a number of Rosetta Biosoftware assets. The Rosetta Biosoftware technology will be included into Amalga Life Sciences, the Redmond company has explained.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Merck and augment the capabilities of Amalga Life Sciences with the complementary assets of Rosetta Biosoftware,” revealed Peter Neupert, corporate vice president, Health Solutions Group, Microsoft. But at the same time, the agreement between Microsoft and Merck & Co. also extends to the continuous evolution of Amalga Life Sciences, with the platform being tailored to emerging pharmaceutical research.
Still, by the end of June 2009, Microsoft is looking to complete the acquisition of bioinformatic solutions from Rosetta, with integration planned for this year and availability scheduled at the start of 2010. The software giant also noted that it would retain the existing Rosetta Biosoftware employees as long as their roles were critical to the integration of the solutions into Amalga Life Sciences.
“The newly combined offering will enable customers to improve the management and analysis of genomic, biological and research data, helping to bring lifesaving drugs and therapies to market faster and accelerate the realization of personalized medicine,” Neupert added.
Rupert Vessey, vice president, Merck Research Laboratories, applauded the deal with Microsoft, indicating that Amalga Life Sciences would act as a platform for further developing the Rosetta Biosoftware technology. “In addition, we look forward to collaborating with Microsoft to develop new bioinformatic solutions to enable and expedite drug discovery and development,” he said. “This is part of our previously announced strategy designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our Basic Research operations to ensure long-term pipeline productivity.”