Early Access Program validates the LabCD(TM) as a leading solution for miniaturized high throughput drug discovery assays
Zurich, Switzerland, 2 July 2002 - Tecan, a leading player in the Life Sciences supply industry, today announced that it has received detailed test results from its Early Access Programs for the LabCD(TM) system. This system, which includes a consumable microfluidic disc that combines microscale fluid paths, reaction chambers, and passive valves, reduces the time and cost of drug development by allowing researchers to obtain critical information much earlier in the drug discovery process. The Early Access Program, which targets applications for ADMET (Adsorption, Distribution, metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) assays, is being carried out in collaboration with five leading pharmaceutical companies - Boehringer Ingelheim, F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd, Wyeth, and two as yet undisclosed partners. Wyeth recently confirmed its participation in the Early Access Program and will begin evaluation of the LabCD(TM) in July this year.
The Early Access Program was designed to test the performance of the LabCD(TM) for cytochrome P450 inhibition and serum protein binding assays at customer sites. These assays constitute an important step in determining the suitability of lead compounds or molecules as potential drug candidates.
Feedback from the test sites confirmed the quality and ease-of-use of the LabCD(TM) system. The LabCD(TM) effectively performed cytochrome P450 inhibition assays for multiple isoenzymes. For model inhibitor compounds, the LabCD(TM) provided good correlation between in vitro IC50 values obtained at the company sites and at Tecan laboratories. IC50, a standard measurement used in enzyme studies, is the concentration of inhibitor that decreases enzyme activity by 50%. Participants in the programs commented on the significant savings in reagents and compound consumption for fluorescent measurements and appreciated both the integrated nature of the systems and the possibility for real-time data analysis. In contrast to conventional microplate-based methods, the LabCD(TM) can deliver multiple data measurements at the same time for individual samples. Evaluations of serum protein binding, another important parameter in drug development, are scheduled for completion by the end of July 2002.
Based upon the considerable interest being generated for the LabCD(TM), the Early Access Program is being extended to provide a Technology Access Program. In this program, participants will have the opportunity to investigate different drug discovery applications on a fee-paying basis.
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