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NovAliX to Collaborate with the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune on Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)

NovAlix
13 Sept 2011
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

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NovAlix has announced today that it is to collaborate with the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune, in a multi-year drug research program focusing on Downs syndrome (trisomy 21).

The company, which develops enabling chemistry and biophysical technologies to support the pharmaceutical industry’s outsourcing needs, will use its expertise and capabilities to develop small molecule lead candidates targeting the cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS). The inhibition of CBS over-expression has been associated with restoration of cognitive impairment in animal models afflicted with trisomy.

"We look forward to progressing our research programs for treating trisomy 21 leveraging NovAliX expertise in structure-based drug design and capabilities in advanced lead generation methodologies" said Dr Henri Bléhaut, Chief Scientific Officer at the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune.

Stephan Jenn, President of NovAliX, said "we are very pleased to investigate a novel research approach for the Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and to support the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune in its efforts to improve patients conditions".

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Medicinal ChemistryMedicinal chemistry is a broad discipline encompassing the design, identification, synthesis and development of chemicals in drug discovery. It includes a number of techniques covering structural biology, synthetic chemistry and molecular biology. Technologies used in medicinal chemistry include ADME, lab-on-a-chip, high content screening and assay assembly.HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.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.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.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.

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NovAliX to Collaborate with the Fondation Jérôme Lejeune on Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21)