New Genomic Biomarker Services to Improve Drug Development Pipelines Announced

Merck Millipore's Discovery and Development Solutions business, part of the Life Science division of Merck, today announced it will now offer genomic biomarker services to aid drug companies in targeting patient sub-groups for improved clinical outcomes, understanding drug safety and efficacy, and characterising tumours. The new qPCR and pyrosequencing-based services add to the company's existing protein- and cell-based solutions, which include ELISA, multiplex and flow cytometry platforms, as well as its extensive experience in assay development, validation and sample testing. By enabling both genomic biomarker analysis as well as cross-platform biomarker validation, Merck Millipore can help customers improve their research and development pipeline decisions.

Demonstrating the value of Merck Millipore Biomarker Services, which now links genomic, protein-based, and cell-based technologies, scientists at Merck Millipore recently profiled transcription in gefitinib-treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by qRT-PCR. The genotypic and mRNA expression data were then cross-validated with protein expression using flow cytometry and multiplex assays, solidifying the connection between the genotype and phenotype of interest. These types of connections provide confidence to preclinical and clinical decision-makers regarding drug safety and efficacy.

"The drug development process is undergoing a paradigm shift from a 'one size fits all' model to 'Precision Medicine,'" says Christina Shasserre, Vice President of Discovery and Development Services at Merck Millipore. "Genomic information remains a critical part of this transformation. At Merck Millipore, we have the platforms, the scientific expertise and the experience running assays to help our customers develop their genomic biomarkers and enable them to successfully deliver on this new paradigm."