"In the initial phase of the tobacco sequencing project, we compared several different methodologies for the discovery of most of tobacco's genes," said Dr. Charles Opperman, professor of plant pathology and genetics at NCSU and leader of the Initiative. "We've determined that Orion's GeneThresher technology rapidly and accurately separates coding from the so-called 'junk DNA' that makes up most of the tobacco genome."

Under the extended agreement, the Initiative will now apply Orion’s GeneThresher™ technology to the development of an overall map of the tobacco genome that will identify up to 90 percent of tobacco’s genes.

“The successful completion of the first discovery phase of the tobacco genome sequencing project validates Orion’s GeneThresher technology in another important plant species,” said Nathan Lakey, CEO of Orion Genomics. “The commercialization of GeneThresher is an integral part of our business strategy, and we are pleased at GeneThresher’s continuing success as the most rapid and cost-effective plant genome sequencing technology available.”

About the Tobacco Genome Initiative

The Tobacco Genome Initiative is funded by Philip Morris USA and centered in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University to leverage the college's leadership position in genomic sciences. Begun in December 2002, the goal of the Initiative is to make a physical map of the tobacco genome and to sequence as many genes as possible by 2007.

Biotechnology at North Carolina State

North Carolina State University, located in Raleigh, has emerged as a national leader in biotechnology research. Currently there are more than 170 faculty whose research interests lie within the broad scope of biotechnology. These faculty are from 24 departments in the five colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, Natural
Resources, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.

About Orion Genomics

Orion Genomics is a “second code” biotechnology company developing oncology diagnostic products and generating revenue through commercialization of existing products and services. Orion addresses two independent market segments – human health and agricultural biotechnology – through proprietary core technologies that leverage epigenetic information written on top of DNA sequence to detect abnormal patterns responsible for human disease, and to sequence gene rich regions of plant genomes. Orion creates value by forging alliances with pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and agricultural research partners, as well as by building an intellectual property portfolio.