Compound Profiling Collaboration Continues Into 2012
BioSeek, Inc., a pioneer in the application of predictive human biology to drug discovery, announced today that it has signed a new, three-year collaboration agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, acting for its division Merck Serono, extending and expanding the companies’ previous 2008 compound profiling agreement. Under the research plan, BioSeek will continue to use its proprietary BioMAP platform to evaluate Merck Serono small molecule compounds and proteins across multiple therapeutic areas in support of target differentiation, lead selection, and nomination of candidates for preclinical development at Merck Serono. Financial details were not disclosed.
“The benchmarking studies carried out by BioSeek for Merck Serono during 2008 demonstrated that, with proper study design and interactive follow-up, BioMAP systems can be used to reliably identify and advance promising molecules through preclinical evaluation. Our scientists have worked closely and productively with the Merck Serono team, and we look forward to our continuing research with them,” said Michael C. Venuti, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of BioSeek.
BioMAP Systems are primary cell-based models of human disease biology, designed to replicate the intricate cell and pathway interactions as they are observed in vascular inflammation, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, fibrosis and related clinical indications. Depending on their mechanism of action, compounds induce specific patterns of changes in these systems (BioMAP profiles) that can be compared to a large number of reference profiles in the BioMAP Database. Assessment with BioMAP provides early insight into human pharmacological properties of compounds, including on- and off-target effects, dose responses, and the discrimination of closely related compounds.
About BioSeek
BioSeek is improving the success rate of pharmaceutical research and development by integrating human biology from the earliest stages of drug discovery onward. The company’s BioMAP® Systems incorporate predictive primary human cell-based disease models that generate uniquely informative activity profiles of each potential drug, assisting in the selection and development of new drug candidates. BioSeek is leveraging BioMAP®Systems technology in collaborations to enhance the productivity of its pharmaceutical partners’ pipelines, and in the company’s internal discovery programs. For more information, go to www.bioseekinc.com.
Contacts:
BioSeek, Inc.
Michael C. Venuti, Ph.D., CEO, 650-416-7600
info@bioseekinc.com
or
Media
Relations for BioSeek
Carole Melis, 650-342-5686
clmcomm1@gmail.com