NEC, SomaLogic release professional software tool

Professional software tool provides simple, reliable and direct access to SOMAscan data

SomaLogic, Inc., and NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the release of SomaSuite, a professional software tool developed by NEC that provides simple, reliable and direct access to the highly multiplexed proteomic data generated by SomaLogic's SOMAscan proteomics assay technology. SomaSuite Version 1.0 enables all clinical researchers, regardless of their level of bioinformatic expertise, to analyze the hundreds of measurements over thousands of proteins produced by the SOMAscan assay. SomaSuite provides an intuitive graphic display that enables researchers to quickly discover significant protein expression changes in their biological samples.

Since their first agreement in 2010, SomaLogic and NEC have worked to establish a long-term strategic relationship between the companies to integrate NEC's information technology as an enhancement of SomaLogic's products for life sciences research, drug discovery and development, and diagnostics. SomaSuite is the first product developed under this agreement, and it is now included as a part of the SOMAscan assay service.

SomaSuite is a stand-alone, Windows-based software tool designed for simplicity and usability. It features a workflow-driven interface that guides the user from raw data to results, including:

• Rapid grouping (and re-grouping) of samples for easy user-generated comparisons;
• Tests to identify difference in protein response (or differential protein regulation) between groups of samples;
• Visualization of results in a variety of formats;
• Selection of proteins of interest identified during the analysis steps.

"Our strategic partnership with NEC is a critical element of our own efforts to unlock protein biomarker discovery for our many collaborators in biopharmaceuticals and academia," said Larry Gold, Ph.D., CEO and Chairman of the Board of SomaLogic. "The release of SomaSuite draws on NEC's expertise in developing software that creates value from complex datasets, and makes our SOMAscan technology accessible to everyone interested in protein biomarker discovery."

"We undertook this collaboration with SomaLogic to leverage the unique strengths of both companies for the purpose of optimizing the use of protein biomarkers to provide better healthcare, and thus to enhance people's lives worldwide," said Takuya Yamaguchi, General Manager of NEC's Medical Solutions Division. "Providing quick and direct access to results from the powerful protein biomarker platform is an important step towards realizing that shared goal."