London, UK, 19 September 2013: Activiomics today announced it has extended its Contract Research Agreement with Japanese pharmaceutical company Kyowa Hakko Kirin (KHK) by entering into a new research programme. Activiomics will apply its novel TIQUAS (Targeted In-depth QUAntification of cell Signalling) phosphoproteomics platform to elucidate signalling mechanisms generated by lead compounds supplied by KHK in relevant cell-based systems. This collaboration falls within Activiomics’ strategic partnership with BioFocus.
Activiomics applies innovative mass spectrometry based methods to analyse and interpret cell signalling pathway activity resulting from drug administration and/or disease progression. The company is utilising its technology for the discovery and clinical validation of novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers as well as to provide high-value drug mode of action information for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
“We have been impressed with the results from the initial stages of our partnership with Activiomics and look forward to working with them on this new programme,” said Hiroshi Okazaki, Ph.D., Managing Officer and Vice President, Head, Research Division, Head, Fuji Research Park at Kyowa Hakko Kirin.
Dr Kevin FitzGerald, CEO of Activiomics, said: “We are delighted to have signed a new contract with Kyowa Hakko Kirin which follows on from a previous successful study. The extension of the partnership is a strong endorsement of the quality and quantity of information that can be generated using our technology platform. We are also grateful to the invaluable support from BioFocus in establishing this collaboration.”
Dr Chris Newton, Managing Director of BioFocus, commented: “We are delighted that the capabilities of our strategic partner, Activiomics, has captured the interest of our client Kyowa Hakko Kirin, and look forward to further synergies from our alliance with Activiomics.”
For more information, please contact:
Activiomics Ltd.
Kevin FitzGerald, CEO
Tel: +44 845 5195 091
BioFocus
Chris Newton, Managing Director
Tel: + 44 1799 533 500
Media enquiries
Katie Odgaard, Zyme Communications
Email: katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com
Tel: +44 7787 502 947
About Activiomics - www.activiomics.com
Headquartered in London, UK, Activiomics Ltd. is a privately owned spin-out company from the Barts Cancer Institute (BCI), ranked one of the top five cancer research centres in the UK and a Queen Mary University of London campus. The company was founded in 2009 through investment from a number of sources including IP Group.
Activiomics has developed a ground-breaking patented technology that will enable a transformation in the way in which biomarkers are identified, diagnostics are developed and drug candidates are identified and profiled.
Activiomics' technology centres around novel mass spectrometry based approaches for the global quantitative analysis of the proteome and of the phosphorylation status of cells and tissues. Phosphorylation is a critical mediator in all cellular processes and hence phosphorylated proteins represent an important class of novel biomarkers. Activiomics' TIQUAS (Targeted In-depth QUAntification of cell Signalling) technology enables the quantification of thousands of phosphorylation events from a given cell or tissue sample and the subsequent markers of response that are identified will enable the development of future diagnostics.
Activiomics is using exclusively accessed primary breast cancer samples to generate proof-of-concept data and high value data packages for novel predictive and prognostic markers of disease. Additionally, Activiomics commercialises its technology by partnering directly with large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in bespoke programmes of work. Recent partners include Genentech, UCB and GlaxoSmithKline.
About Kyowa Hakko Kirin
Kyowa Hakko Kirin is a leading biopharmaceutical company in Japan focusing on its core business area of oncology, nephrology and immunology/allergy. Kyowa Hakko Kirin leverages antibody-related leading-edge technologies to discover and develop innovative new drugs aiming to become a global specialty pharmaceutical company which contributes to the health and well-being of people around the world. For more information, visit http://www.kyowa-kirin.com.
About BioFocus
BioFocus provides integrated drug discovery that delivers pre-clinical drug candidates in all therapeutic areas with strong capabilities in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases and rare and neglected diseases. BioFocus has advanced and comprehensive drug discovery capabilities that are applied to client projects to deliver targets, hits, leads and pre-clinical candidates. The company employs over 150 exceptionally qualified and industry experienced scientists at its research centres in the UK and the Netherlands. Since its foundation in 1997, BioFocus has produced high quality data for its clients, assured by ISO9001 qualification, validated by regular independent inspection of all BioFocus research centres. For more information, visit us at Twitter, LinkedIn and at www.biofocus.com.
Forward-looking statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, effects of future judicial decisions, changes in regulation, exchange rate fluctuations and hiring and retention of its employees.
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
