Linux NetworX cluster aids BioCryst in developing new pharmaceuticals

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Author: JT Smith

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, Oct. 9, 2001 — Linux NetworX, a provider of powerful and easy-to-manage cluster computing solutions, announced today that BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCRX) 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.?

The massive amount of data computation inherent in drug design typically requires the power of a supercomputer-class system. Cluster technology is a method of linking multiple computers, or compute nodes, together to form a powerful, unified system. Linux NetworX clusters can match the performance of traditional supercomputers for a fraction of the cost.

BioCryst?s new Evolocity cluster includes 32 Pentium III 933 MHz processors, with 16 GB of memory and a 10/100 Ethernet network. Linux NetworX configured the cluster to handle complex computer modeling applications, such as X-ray crystallography and combinatorial chemistry. BioCryst utilizes the Linux NetworX ClusterWorX management software and signed an on-going service agreement as well.

?Linux NetworX is an excellent choice for biotechnology organizations demanding powerful and reliable high performance computing Linux clusters,? said Clark Roundy, vice president of marketing for Linux NetworX. ?We are pleased to see companies like BioCryst rely on our technologies to enhance their capabilities.?

About BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Founded in 1986, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCRX) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of viral, inflammatory/ autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases and disorders. BioCryst develops novel small-molecule pharmaceuticals using structure-based drug design, an approach to drug discovery that integrates biology, biophysics and medicinal chemistry. The Company’s most advanced drug candidate, RWJ-27021, is a neuraminidase inhibitor designed to treat and prevent viral influenza.

About Linux NetworX

Linux NetworX (www.linuxnetworx.com) brings its powerful and easy-to-manage cluster technology to those demanding high performance and high availability systems. Linux NetworX provides solutions for organizations involved in oil and gas exploration, aeronautical and chemical modeling, biotechnology research, graphics rendering and visual effects, Web serving, ISPs, ASPs, and other technological research fields. Through its innovative Evolocity hardware, ICE? cluster management tools and professional service and support, Linux NetworX provides end-to-end clustering solutions. To date, the company has built some of the largest cluster systems in the world, and boasts numerous Fortune 500 customers.

Linux is a registered trademark owned by Linus Torvalds. All other products, services and companies are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT
Brad Rutledge
Linux NetworX
801-562-1010 ext. 218
brutledge@linuxnetworx.com