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New Genomic Biomarker Services Announced by EMD Millipore to Improve Drug Development Pipelines

Merck
4 Dec 2012

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EMD Millipore's Discovery and Development Solutions business, part of the Life Science division of Merck KGaA, 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.

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ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.qPCRQuantitative PCR (qPCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify and measure the amount of a specific DNA or RNA target. It plays a crucial role in gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, and quantifying DNA or RNA in various applications. Real-time PCR provides precise, quantitative results and is widely used in research, diagnostics, and clinical studies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best qPCR solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.CytometryCytometry is a broad term for the quantitative analysis of cells and cell systems. The most popular methods to study cytometry are flow cytometry and image cytometry.MultiplexSequencingSequencing refers to determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule. This process is essential in genomics, diagnostics, and evolutionary biology. Techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing provide high-throughput and precise data for analyzing genomes and transcriptomes. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best sequencing tools and reagents, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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