The eidyia platform, pronounced idea, examines complex data sets such as those derived from preclinical research for subtle interdependencies which, the firms claim, are missed by other analysis tools.
According to Matrix eidyia has been successfully employed in a number of research applications, ranging from biomarker analysis in preclinical drug development to the identification of responder groups in Phase II and III clinical trials.
Under the license deal, ethica has exclusive worldwide rights to provide the platform to its pharmaceutical contract research clients in a service that, it believes, will improve both current clinical trials and the design of future programmes.
Janice Parente ethica president said: "eidyia has the potential to revolutionize the way companies use the vast quantities of clinical data that have been and continue to be collected."
Biomarker analysis
The eidyia technology is based on statistical techniques developed by Matrix’ chief technology officer (CTO) Marcel Thurk and, prior to today’s agreement, had been mainly provided as part of the firm’s drug discovery offering.
This work focuses on using the software to analyze and interpret complex biomarker data and generate simple algorithms that identify trends and chemical interactions that would otherwise go unnoticed.
However, according to company CEO Sion Balass, the time is right to market the technology more widely to the global pharmaceutical sector and the ethica deal is an ideal vehicle for that promotion.
Balass explained that: “ethica's business culture is rooted in innovation and a commitment to quality made them the ideal partner for us,” adding that “we wanted a partner who understood the potential of the technology and who was looked upon as an industry leader to promote its benefits."