Accelrys, Inc., a leading provider of scientific modeling and workflow software solutions, announced that Dr. Robert Langer, institute professor in chemical and biomedical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has joined the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Accelrys NanoBiology Initiative. Providing an international collaborative framework for its members in academia, government and industry, the Accelrys NanoBiology Initiative will assess and develop the IT solutions that address critical challenges of nanotechnology-enabled pharmaceutical and diagnostic design. Offering his technical and scientific guidance, Dr. Langer has joined Initiative Chair Dr. Leroy Hood, president of the Institute for Systems Biology, as the second member of the NanoBiology Initiative SAC.
As nanotechnology is increasingly applied to biomedical research and product development, powerful modeling, simulation and analytical tools can enable engineers and scientists to efficiently assess and develop those highly complex systems. The Accelrys NanoBiology Initiative offers members the opportunity to define and prioritize the most critical challenges in this nascent sector and directly influence the fundamental software solutions. The Initiative will leverage Accelrys' core strengths in life science modeling, materials modeling, informatics, and workflow technology to develop a comprehensive infrastructure that can enable predictive design and analysis of novel drug delivery platforms, as well as the optimization of devices for biosensing, imaging, and diagnostics.
"The intersection of materials science and biotechnology is in my mind one of the most interesting, dynamic emerging fields today. Broadening our ability to predict and engineer nanotechnology and nanoscale materials at that interface is a critical next step," said Dr. Robert Langer. "As part of the NanoBiology Initiative's efforts, we'll be addressing the challenge of effectively integrating computational modeling into the entire interdisciplinary research and design process for biomedical science and engineering, shifting the nanobiology R&D paradigm to one of more informed experimentation."
One of only 13 Institute Professors, MIT's highest faculty member honor, Dr. Robert Langer has written more than 880 articles and filed nearly 550 patents worldwide, more than 180 of which have been licensed to pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device companies. Forbes Magazine and Bio World have named Dr. Langer one of the 25 most important individuals in biotechnology. Dr. Langer has also served as a member of the United States Food and Drug Administration's SCIENCE Board, the FDA's highest advisory board, from 1995 to 2002 and as chairman from 1999 to 2002.
"With Dr. Langer, a preeminent scientist in the field of drug delivery, joining molecular biology pioneer Dr. Leroy Hood on our Scientific Advisory Committee, our Initiative members have access to superb scientific guidance," said Mark Emkjer, president and chief executive officer of Accelrys. "In their advisory roles, these two great minds, both leaders at the intersection of nanotech and the life sciences, will help us address the significant need for next-generation technology solutions that further research efforts and in turn help our pharmaceutical and biomedical customers bring innovative products to market as efficiently as possible."
To learn more about the Initiative or register for the upcoming informational US seminar series scheduled August 8-15th in four cities nationwide visit: http://www.accelrys.com/info/initiatives/nanobio/index.html
