Biacore launches protein analysis system
analyses the protein interactions that occur in disease pathways,
selection of drug candidates and decisions on the safety of a
protein therapeutic.
The new system will be used across the life science research spectrum from basic research through drug discovery and development to manufacturing and quality control (QC). The Biacore T100 allows scientists to determine affinity and rate constants, binding specificity, concentration and thermodynamic parameters.
Proteins, both native and recombinant, are used extensively from investigations of disease pathways through to the identification of protein targets for potential drug therapies.
Erik Wallden, Biacore's president and CEO told DrugResearcher.com: "We launched the Biacore T100 as a response to a gap in the market that we identified."
"This is a tool that is suitable for the analysis and interaction with proteins as well as defining the function of target candidates and molecules. Although we are initially aiming this system towards the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, the hope is that it will take up a more specific niche in the academic sector."
With Biacore's latest system, proteins from normal and diseased tissues can be compared. Using recombinant technology, variations of the proteins of interest can be produced as part of the effort to understand their functionality or deduce the structure of potential drug candidates.
Biacore claim that applications as time-consuming as antibody characterisation, which could take weeks by conventional methods, can be completed in days with this new system. Software wizards assist with the analysis of every interaction parameter.
The high specificity of the antibody-antigen interaction, coupled with the ability to manipulate the characteristics of the interaction, have created many uses for antibodies and antibody fragments. Within research and drug discovery antibodies are used to help unravel the details of biological mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets.
Wallden explained that the Biacore T100 is one of a few systems that are currently available on the burgeoning proteomics market.
"Biacore has a sizeable presence in a number of markets. We believe that our main market, proteomics, is undergoing a period of growth where the emphasis will become very academically orientated. The depth of research in structure and identity of proteins is set to improve substantially."
"The drug discovery market also emphasises a need for selection and analysis of the protein interactions that take place."
To fulfill regulatory requirements, Biacore T100 has been designed with in-built GLP/GMP/GCP support and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance. An optional GxP support package will save users significant time during validation.
According to Walldén the markets was taking a unique direction, demanding in depth understanding of the drug molecule and its associated protein target.
"Within the pharmaceutical industry, we have seen how the lack of detail during the early stages of drug R&D has led to some disasters," he said.
The product is expected to make its American debut at the annual Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF) show in the US (Feb 7-8) with a European launch set to follow.
