- Genetic and epigenetic technologies added to established CRO services for biomarker development, validation and testing
- Consolidated protein, genomic and cell-based bioanalysis services enable multiple biomarker analysis for better pipeline decisions
- Genomic biomarkers advance "Precision Medicine," helping identify patients most likely to respond to a drug or experience side effects
December 4, 2012, Billerica, MA - EMD Millipore's Discovery and Development Solutions business, part of the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, today announced it will now offer genomic biomarker services to aid drug companies in targeting patient sub-groups for improved clinical outcomes, understanding drug safety and efficacy, and characterizing tumors. The new qPCR and pyrosequencing-based services add to the company's existing protein- and cell-based solutions, which include ELISA, multiplex and flow cytometry platforms, as well as its extensive experience in assay development, validation and sample testing. By enabling both genomic biomarker analysis as well as cross-platform biomarker validation, EMD Millipore can help customers improve their research and development pipeline decisions.
Demonstrating the value of EMD Millipore Biomarker Services, which now links genomic, protein-based, and cell-based technologies, scientists at EMD Millipore recently profiled transcription in gefitinib-treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by qRT-PCR. The genotypic and mRNA expression data were then cross-validated with protein expression using flow cytometry and multiplex assays, solidifying the connection between the genotype and phenotype of interest. These types of connections provide confidence to preclinical and clinical decision-makers regarding drug safety and efficacy.
"The drug development process is undergoing a paradigm shift from a 'one size fits all' model to 'Precision Medicine,'" says Christina Shasserre, Vice President of Discovery and Development Services at EMD Millipore. "Genomic information remains a critical part of this transformation. At EMD Millipore, we have the platforms, the scientific expertise and the experience running assays to help our customers develop their genomic biomarkers and enable them to successfully deliver on this new paradigm."
EMD Millipore Discovery and Development Solutions, with sites in Dundee and Oxford, UK and St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is a leading provider of outsourced discovery and bioanalytical services, focusing on the development of biotherapeutics.
For more information, please visit www.emdmillipore.com/CRO.
About EMD Millipore
EMD Millipore is the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of Germany and offers a broad range of innovative, performance products, services and business relationships that enable our customers' success in research, development and production of biotech and pharmaceutical drug therapies. Through dedicated collaboration on new scientific and engineering insights, and as one of the top three R&D investors in the Life Science Tools industry, EMD Millipore serves as a strategic partner to customers and helps advance the promise of life science.
Headquartered in Billerica, Massachusetts, the division has around 10,000 employees, operations in 67 countries and 2011 revenues of EUR 2.4 billion. EMD Millipore is known as Merck Millipore outside of the U.S. and Canada.
Note: Merck KGaA or Merck shall mean Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
Contact: Leslie Eisenberg
(Feinstein Kean Healthcare)
Phone: +1 617 244 3872
Email: [email protected]