Vitra and IDBS deal combines lead id tools
merges IDBS' MathIQ software with Vitra's CellCard System. The
combination of such technologies is an attempt to accelerate the
identification of lead compounds that currently limits the drug
discovery process.
The new combined solution is intended to be a fully integrated data analysis package providing scientists with ready-to-use curve fitting and statistical capabilities. The data produced is analysed on the CellCard system, limiting the need for specialist IT support.
As if the process of bringing a drug onto market wasn't hard enough, drug R&D is set to take on a new level of complexity as the human genome project is expected to identify approximately 100,000 targets that will require evaluation against many compound libraries to compare gene sequences and structure.
This represents a very time-consuming process and a major bottleneck in the drug discovery process as millions of compounds can be screened for each target. Novel discovery and validation technologies can expand the hit rate for promising compounds in the pipeline, and expedite their progress through to market.
IDBS' MathIQ software complements the CellPlex analysis software by enabling researchers to quickly graph and customize data results with the same sophisticated statistical capabilities found in IDBS' XLfit application.
In addition to the integration of curve fitting and statistical models, a formula editor is included that allows drug discovery researchers to input institutional-specific or user-defined equations for faster interpretation of data, decision making and, ultimately, selecting the best new drug compound
"Using validated data analysis tools during the discovery process is paramount since stored data and results are heavily relied upon to substantiate experimental results, particularly during submission for approval of new molecular entities," commented Neil Kipling, CEO of IDBS.
"The integration of MathIQ and Vitra's CellCard System moves beyond the current methods of integration of assay systems and data analysis software, delivering a solution with the flexibility to be customised."
Vitra's CellCard System provides insight into the effects of lead compounds upon multiple targets or tissue types by enabling simultaneous analysis of selectivity and activity in a single well.
Unlike current serial approaches, single well profiling of compounds allows early assessment of potency, selectivity and mechanism of action of lead compounds.
