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Horizon Discovery Introduces High Throughput Platform for Immuno-Oncology Research

New platform enables researchers to rapidly identify cutting-edge anti-cancer drugs

17 Apr 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

Industry news

Horizon Discovery Group plc, the world leader in the application of gene editing technologies including custom screening and specialized assay services, has announced the launch of a new platform for immuno-oncology research.

The platform consists of several high throughput assays that enable researchers to test thousands of potential anti-cancer drugs that recruit the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.

Horizon’s new platform enables researchers to study how new drugs are able to activate different types of immune cells as well as increase their ability to kill tumors. The platform includes high throughput ADCC, CDC, primary T cell activation, mixed lymphocyte reaction and T cell-mediated tumor lysis assays in 384 well format, allowing researchers to test hundreds of new drugs simultaneously.

Since cancer cells are very different from normal cells in the body, the immune system attacks them when able to recognize them. However, cancer cells find ways to evade and blunt the immune system, often disguising themselves as normal cells. Immuno-oncology drugs reactivate immune cells, restoring their anti-tumor activities by enabling their ability to recognize cancer cells and destroy them. On this basis, immuno-oncology has rapidly risen as a promising approach to treat cancer, and the market is currently estimated at £25 billion per year and expected to grow to approximately £50 billion per year by 2020.

Edward Weinstein, PhD, President Services of Horizon Discovery commented, “Horizon’s new immuno-oncology assays represent a great step forward in this important growth area, building on our greater than 15 years of experience in high-throughput screening with over ten million unique drug combinations screened. The platform allows researchers to test thousands of new immuno-oncology drugs simultaneously, alone or in combination with other drugs. Immuno-oncology is an important focus area for Horizon, and we’re excited that these new assays will accelerate and streamline drug discovery, bringing highly effective new drugs to patients faster than before possible.”

This announcement follows the formation of Avvinity Therapeutics, a Joint Venture between Horizon and Centauri Therapeutics in order to capture the upside potential of Horizon’s IP, platform technologies and capabilities in immuno-oncology in order to develop novel therapeutics. Horizon’s new immuno-oncology research platform will be deployed to support this effort as well as being offered commercially as a set of assay services to clients.

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Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Assay AssemblyAssay Assembly is technique used in drug discovery to develop assays to test the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, or other activities of a compound on a cell. Assay assembly requires chip assembly, a delivery system and a detection and analysis method. Beneficial features of assay kits or automated systems include high-throughput, high speed and sensitivity and low signal to noise ratio.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.DNA / RNA Extraction and PurificationPurified DNA and RNA are required for numerous downstream molecular biology applications. Consequently, the importance of high-quality DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment cannot be underestimated. Many purification kits are available and are typically optimized for nucleic acid type and source, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, mRNA, RNA and viral nucleic acid purification kits. Automated extraction and purification of nucleic acids can be implemented with magnetic bead separator instruments or high-throughput purification workstations. Find the best DNA/RNA extraction and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.DNA SequencingDNA sequencing, such as sanger sequencing, is a biological technique that determines the precise order of nucleotide bases in a fragment or template of DNA. DNA sequencers and genetic analyzers are based on capillary electrophoresis, where labeled DNA fragments are electrophoretically separated by size as they migrate through a polymer. Find the best DNA sequencing products, including DNA sequencing kits, genomic libraries and genetic identity kits in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.ImmunoassayImmunoassays are laboratory tests that utilize antibody-antigen interactions to detect specific substances. They are widely used in diagnostics for detecting diseases, drug testing, and environmental monitoring. These assays offer rapid, sensitive, and precise detection of biomarkers, making them invaluable in clinical and research labs. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to compare immunoassay systems, read user reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.High ThroughputHigh throughput experiments allow the simultaneous processing of several samples. This parallelization reduces the cost per experiment and increases reproducibility and output volume of data.Genome EditingGenome editing involves altering the DNA of an organism, which holds promise for disease treatment, agriculture, and gene therapy. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are revolutionizing this field, enabling precise genetic modifications. Explore genome editing tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Assay DevelopmentThe process of proving an assay to be sensitive with respect to the target is known as assay development. The assay should be able to characterize novel compounds and measure the potency of these compounds against a validated biological target.

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Horizon Discovery Introduces High Throughput Platform for Immuno-Oncology Research