Proteomics brings BioFocus, Activiomics together

SAFFRON WALDEN, ENGLAND: BioFocus and Activiomics announced a strategic alliance which will allow BioFocus to offer Activiomics’ proteomics services to its customers, to improve identification of novel targets for drug discovery and biomarkers for diagnostics.

A press release adds that Activiomics’ proprietary technology, TIQUAS (Targeted In-depth QUAntification of cell Signaling), provides valuable insights into which proteins or pathways have been activated following a cell signaling event, information that is generally not accessible using conventional expression analysis. This has application in a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, inflammation and metabolic disease.

TIQUAS makes use of sophisticated mass spectroscopy-based techniques to detect and quantify thousands of phosphorylation sites from a cell/tissue extract, as stated here. This provides clues as to which proteins or pathways are activated, since change in phosphorylation status is indicative of a change in protein activity. The output from this platform is analyzed using a range of proprietary bioinformatics tools.

Chris Newton, SVP Galapagos Services and MD BioFocus, commented: “Proteomics analysis, in particular phosphoproteomics, is becoming ever more important in drug discovery programs. By partnering with Activiomics, BioFocus extends its offering of high-quality scientific expertise into this newly emerging area.” .”

Mark Warne, Chief Executive Officer of Activiomics, added: “We are delighted to begin this strategic partnership with BioFocus. BioFocus is renowned for its fast, accurate and professional contract research service, making it an obvious choice of partner for Activiomics. We are looking forward to making our popular platform even more widely available through exposure to BioFocus’ large and growing client base.”