drug discovery and development

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet the drug discovery process to develop new biotherapeutic antibodies remains arduous. However, significant advances in antibody technology such as phage display have enabled fully human antibodies to be developed from animal-free libraries for just about any antigen.

Inadequate quality control assays shouldn’t limit cell and gene therapy applications. Instead, quantifying the potency of cell and gene therapies is essential for successful therapeutics. In this article, we describe multiple leading potency assays developed using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology, including an assay that quantifies transgene integration and expression in one step.

Disparate systems, distributed teams, and overly complex technologies are a recipe for inefficiency in research and development (R&D) laboratories, especially in drug development. With the pressure to meet challenging deadlines and strict regulations, it is easy for working practices to become disconnected. To improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of data generation, acquisition, and management, R&D organizations are looking to streamline their lab practices by investing in technologies that automate data generation, accelerate data collection speed and storage, and enhance the quality and reliability of the information produced. Lab automation presents exciting opportunities for future research, promising novel advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), liquid handling robotics, and cloud-based data workflows.

High-throughput screening (HTS) is a critical component of the entire drug discovery process. Flow cytometry is an attractive alternative to imaging and plate reader assays for HTS in drug discovery, due to its increased sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities. The ZE5 Cell Analyzer eliminates pain points that have hindered the full adoption of flow cytometry for drug discovery.

Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are an important addition to the immuno-oncology toolbox. Designed to recognize two distinct epitopes, bsAbs have enhanced binding, specificity, and efficacy compared to current monovalent antibody therapeutics, making them exciting candidates for more targeted cancer treatments. Learn about bsAbs and how our tools can help scientists with their research on therapeutic candidates.

For many scientists, high-throughput flow cytometry screens are associated with drug or compound libraries, but did you know that you can also apply this technique to study microorganisms, clinical melanoma samples, and even protein trafficking? Read on for five examples of the use of flow cytometry in diverse, high-throughput screening applications.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are some of the most commonly used viral vectors for gene therapy, supporting approximately 250 clinical trials to date. However, the manufacturing processes are challenging to scale. Read about five key issues that gene therapy manufacturers who use AAVs need to look out for.

In this podcast, biosimilar key opinion leader Dr. Paul Rhyne provides an overview of the current state of biosimilars and their global impact. Leveraging his 20+ years of experience in developing biologics, he discusses how cost and patient access play a big role in this new field of research.

It is hoped that the development of biosimilars will lead to more accessible and cost-effective treatment options. Here we explore the current opportunities for biosimilars in rheumatoid arthritis and discuss the opportunities and concerns tied to their use.

Biosimilars are gaining in popularity and estimates predict that the U.S. could save between $40–250 billion in healthcare costs over the next decade by switching from biologics to biosimilars. See how biosimilars have gained in popularity recently, the challenges the U.S. faces in developing them, and what the future holds.