22 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. The report is available free of charge by completing the registration form here.

Note to editors:
Cambridge Consultants Limited (CCL) designs and develops innovative new products, processes and systems. CCL enables clients to turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether launching first-to-market products, or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 200 engineers and scientists, CCL is able to offer solutions across a diverse range of industries including healthcare, telecoms, industrial and consumer products, automotive and aerospace.

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 and are made available, free of charge, here.

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