BioSeek signs two-year agreement with Cellzome

Sep 24 2010

Asterand plc (LSE: ATD), a leading provider of human tissue and human tissue-based research services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies engaged in drug discovery research, today announced that its subsidiary BioSeek, LLC, a pioneer in the application of predictive human biology to drug discovery, has signed a two-year agreement with Cellzome.

“We are delighted to partner with BioSeek for access to their proprietary human biology models. The BioMAP® platform will allow us to receive early insight into the human pharmacological and toxicological properties of our small molecules, enabling us to develop safer and more effective treatments for inflammation.”

Under the agreement, BioSeek will apply its unique BioMAP® predictive human disease models to support and advance Cellzome's discovery projects in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Oliver Rausch, Vice President Biology at Cellzome, noted:

"We are delighted to partner with BioSeek for access to their proprietary human biology models. The BioMAP® platform will allow us to receive early insight into the human pharmacological and toxicological properties of our small molecules, enabling us to develop safer and more effective treatments for inflammation."

Asterand's CEO, Martyn Coombs, commented:

"We are honoured that Cellzome has chosen BioSeek to support their drug discovery and development programmes. Our BioMAP® platform is uniquely suited for predicting possible human clinical responses of the small molecules Cellzome identifies with its proprietary screening and profiling technologies, Kinobeads™ and Episphere™. Our team looks forward to working with Cellzome scientists on the advancement of new innovative treatments for inflammatory diseases. We are also delighted with BioSeek's performance since being successfully integrated earlier this year and this is clearly demonstrated by the Cellzome agreement, the fifth collaboration agreement signed this year."