"Linux NetworX, a provider of powerful and
easy-to-manage cluster computing solutions, announced today that
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is now using a Linux NetworX
Evolocity cluster to aid in creating pharmaceuticals for the
treatment of human disease and illness such as influenza and
hepatitis C.
Implementing an innovative drug discovery approach, scientists at
BioCryst create synthetic small-molecule inhibitors, atom by atom,
to bind with specific disease-causing proteins or targets. By
identifying the target protein in advance and by discovering the
chemical and molecular structure of the protein, scientists believe
it is possible to design a more optimal drug to interact with the
protein.
"The Evolocity system from Linux NetworX speeds the rate at which
BioCryst scientists are able to design and develop comprehensive
compound libraries and databases of potential targets for their
drug discovery efforts," said Shane Hiett, director of information
technology for BioCryst. "Not only does the Linux NetworX cluster
technology fit our needs, but the ClusterWorX® management
software helps us gain control of cluster administration and ensure
cluster health."