Definiens Releases TissueMap 2.0 for Advanced Oncology Research

Definiens, the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence™ company, today unveiled the release of Definiens TissueMap 2.0, highlighting the company’s focus on oncology research. The image analysis software application is especially designed for the detailed, automated morphometric quantification of biomarkers of nuclei or cell bodies in epithelial tumors or xenografts. The application features the detection of viable and necrotic tissue in xenografts, as well as regions of IHC (DAB) positively stained nuclei or cells in the viable tissue. This enables pathologists to automate the process of complex or highly apoptotic xenograft analysis in oncology research.

Effective imaging technologies support pharmaceutical development in oncology
The discovery and application of oncology biomarkers have enhanced opportunities for individual disease treatment by identifying new drug targets. They therefore have a significant impact on the entire process of drug development including the emergence and growth of imaging technologies utilized to acquire accurate measurements of disease parameters.

The effective use of imaging technologies, such as Definiens TissueMap 2.0, significantly improves the selection and prioritization of quality candidates early in the drug development pipeline. This results in substantial cost savings and faster time-to-market as poorer drug candidates are removed early in the discovery process.

Assessment of any biomarkers targeting an antigen located in the nucleus or cell body
Definiens TissueMap 2.0 reliably identifies areas and structures of interest in image data allowing researchers to distinguish between viable and necrotic tumor areas and to quantify markers. It offers:

• Full tissue slide analysis
• Fast and reproducible results
• Platform independence and connectivity
• Easy customization
• Precise measurement of morphological parameters

Definiens TissueMap 2.0 encompasses the assessment of any biomarkers targeting an antigen located in the nucleus such as proliferation markers (Ki67, PCNA, BrdU, etc.), apoptosis markers such as Cap3 as well as estrogen or progesterone receptors. Antibodies or markers co-/located in the cell body, such as cytokeratines (CD31, AE1/3, etc.) and other proteins (CD45, CD23 or similar) can also be evaluated.

Comprehensive software for quantification regardless of staining methodology
Definiens TissueMap 2.0 enables the quantification of biomarker expression patterns in image data regardless of staining methodology. The software application effectively analyzes image data in oncology research, including cases involving poor staining technique and data obtained from heterogeneous equipment.

Definiens TissueMap 2.0 enables the automated detection of relevant morphological structure in tissue and tumor sections. It improves research results through increased data accuracy, consistency and reproducibility.

New information concerning Definiens TissueMap 2.0 was presented at the 7th World Drug Discovery & Development Summit 2007 in Cologne, Germany, December 4-5, 2007, which brought together leading pharmaceutical and biotech professionals to discuss key scientific and strategic challenges.