Incyte’s knowledge platform for gene research

Incyte Genomics has announced its Genomics Knowledge Platform, which developers claim is a software environment that represents a significant breakthrough for life science researchers. With the new tool, researchers will be able to analyze vast quantities of genomic data from a variety of sources in a single query and gain insights into the causes of disease and possible cures. Development of Incyte's Genomics Knowledge Platform has been the result of significant collaboration with IBM’s new Life Sciences Division and Secant Technologies.

Incyte reports its knowledge platform allows researchers to integrate and analyze a variety of data types, such as gene sequence, expression, polymorphism and functional data. Combining these data sets enables researchers to better identify and characterize potential drug targets, disease susceptibility, drug toxicity and efficacy, as well as individual response to medication.

A key element of the platform is Incyte's new Biological Object Model technology, which provides the foundation for linking, communicating and sharing information about biological functions and interactions. Incyte has constructed the Genomics Knowledge Platform to extend data integration beyond genomics to all science-based information types, including chemical, clinical and post-marketing data. The subsequent architecture enables collaboration between other information providers and software creators.

Incyte employs IBM's DiscoveryLink data management software in the platform. DiscoveryLink was developed to allow the life sciences community to analyze complex biological systems. It’s designed to integrate genomic analysis tools and diverse data sets, such as DNA sequence, gene expression and genetic variations for analysis.

Incyte selected Secant’s Extreme Enterprise Server infrastructure software as the foundation to develop, deploy and deliver unique human gene information to academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields.