22nd January 2003
Cell-based assays and metabolomic technologies offer true potential to increase productivity in the drug discovery & development process
Whilst wide-spread in their use, cell-based assays have so far failed to reach their full potential according to findings published by leading independent technology company, Cambridge Consultants Ltd (CCL). The report, which focuses on the application of cell-based assays and metabolomic technologies in drug discovery and development to 2007, reveals that further investment into systems and informatics is vital if pharma and biotech companies are to realise the full value of the cell-based approach to drug discovery.
Despite being in the post-genomic era, too many therapeutics continue to fail during middle and late stage development, with pressure remaining firmly on both pharma and biotech to deliver new drugs. Both cell-based assays, and the emerging technology of metabolomics, offer the potential to screen out compound failure earlier in the discovery and development lifecycle, delivering increased productivity. However, CCL's report concludes that these returns are unlikely until the new platforms are more widely implemented.
Key to successful application of these technologies will be improvements in data management and analysis - an area currently seen by many as a potential blockage given the volume of data both technologies produce. It is predicted that improvements in the informatics arena will allow these technologies to be applied earlier within the drug discovery and development lifecycle where, combined with genomic and proteomic approaches, they will enable quicker screening of potential failures.
The full report, 'Cell-based Assays and Metabolomic Technologies - Technologies for the Post-genomic Era' draws on interviews with senior executives from the global pharmaceutical and diagnostics industry.
Notes for editors:
Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For over 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications.
Created by three Cambridge graduates in 1960, the company has grown into a leading technology business, renowned worldwide for its ability to solve technical problems and provide innovative, practical solutions to commercial issues. In 2009, the company was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and in 2011 was awarded a second Queen's Award, this time for Innovation. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com
Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, global leader in innovation and high-tech engineering consulting. Altran supports companies in the creation and development of their new products and services. For thirty years, the Group has been providing services to key players in the fields of Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare, and Telecoms. Present at every stage of project development from new-technology strategic planning through to manufacturing, Altran is able to capitalise on its expertise in four key domains: Product Lifecycle Management, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering & Embedded Systems and IT Systems. With a global network of 17,000 collaborators (including 15,000 consultants) and 500 major clients throughout the world, the Group reported sales of €1,420m in 2011. More info: www.altran.com
Cell-based Assays and Metabolomic Technologies - Technologies for the Post-genomic Era is the latest in a series of reports, produced by Cambridge Consultants, examining emerging technologies.
For further information:
Cambridge Consultants
Patrick Pordage
Marketing Communications Director
Tel: +44 1223 420024
Patrick.Pordage@CambridgeConsultants.com