ArtusLabs, BU to Expand Stereochemistry ID

ArtusLabs Inc., a Durham, N.C., provider of life science software and data management services, has entered into a partnership with Boston University’s Center for Chemical Methodology and Library Development (CMLD) to standardize and expand the way in which stereochemistry, and ultimately three-dimensional structures, are represented in the International Chemical Identifier (InChI). The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the National Institute of Standards and Technology developed InChl, which identifies chemical substances for use in printed and electronic sources to enable easier linking of databases, and InChI nonproprietary, open-source software. Scott Schaus, an associate professor at Boston University, and Robin Smith, CEO of ArtusLabs, are heading the stereochemistry project. The research will be conducted at Boston University with input from ArtusLabs, which said this is expected to be the first of many collaborative efforts with academic institutions. The company will exhibit at BIO 2008, to be held June 17-20 in San Diego (Booth 5018).