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Merck Launches First Commercially Available Equine-Specific Multiplex Assay for Protein Biomarkers

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Detects biomarkers of horse infection, inflammation, immune response and general health

8 May 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

Product news

Merck has announced the launch of the first commercially available equine-specific multiplex assay for protein biomarkers. The assay is intended for research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures.

The MILLIPLEX® MAP Equine Cytokine/Chemokine Panel enables researchers to simultaneously measure up to 27 cytokines in equine serum, plasma and tissue/cell culture supernatants. The panel delivers important information intended for research on biomarkers of horse infection, inflammation, immune response and general health.

"Multiplex cytokine assays allow us to ask and answer more complex questions more efficiently and help predict responses to treatment in horses," said Brian Gilger, principal investigator, Laboratory of Ocular Immunology, Toxicology and Drug Delivery, North Carolina State University. "With this panel, we can better understand how the inflammation in the equine eye differs between infectious and immune-mediated uveitis."

Merck's new equine-specific cytokine panel also addresses the unmet needs of equine research centers, veterinary medicine and animal nutrition companies.

Like all MILLIPLEX® MAP panels, Merck's new assay kit provides complete flexibility, meaning that researchers can choose analytes from a panel and get the same performance as they would for the whole panel. The kit includes a standardized serum matrix, enabling more accurate quantitation of cytokines in biological samples.

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Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, GermanyCompany website

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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.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.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.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :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.Robotic InstrumentsRobotic instruments can be used for high-throughput automation of many lab processes. Such processes use instruments for assays like cell based assays and ELISA, for sample preparation like shakers, centrifuges and incubators, and for analysis such as sequencing and western blot analyzers. Useful features of robotic instruments include speed, reproducibility, barcode readers, software and automation.Toxicology / Drugs of Abuse TestingToxicology and Drugs of Abuse Testing is the investigation into toxic and illegal substances found at the scene of a crime or from a suspect and / or victim associated with a scene of a crime. Analyzers, immunoassays and drugs of abuse test kits and presumptive test kits are an essential aspect of toxicology investigation.Drug DeliveryDrug Delivery refers to dosage form, route of administration, formulations, technologies, and systems for transporting a pharmaceutical compound in the body as needed to safely achieve its desired therapeutic effect. Drug delivery is often approached via the biopharmaceutical or small molecule drug's formulation, but it may also involve medical devices or drug-device combination products. Considerations include instrumentation, software and services. RegulatoryPharmaceutical regulations impact on all areas of drug development, manufacture and control and supply. Services are provided from the early stages of drug development and clinical trials through to dossier submission, approval and marketing. Regulatory also includes submission of analytical studies from the pharmaceutical product and safety. CytokinesCytokines are signaling proteins critical for cell communication in the immune system. They regulate inflammation, immune responses, and cell growth. Cytokine research is vital for understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapies. Explore tools for cytokine detection and analysis in our directory.ImmunologyImmunology is the branch of medical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system of multicellular organisms.MultiplexProtein BiologyThe analysis of protein expression, identity and function is vital for many areas of life science research and drug discovery. Some of the most commonly used techniques in protein analysis include Western blotting, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

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Merck Launches First Commercially Available Equine-Specific Multiplex Assay for Protein Biomarkers