UCB taps Proteros for crystallography services
By Phil Taylor, 11-Mar-2009
Related topics: Preclinical Research, Preclinical
Belgian biopharmaceutical company UCB has contracted Proteros Biostructures of Germany to provide support in the structure-based discovery of small-molecule drugs.
In the first instance, Proteros is helping UCB solve the three dimensional structure of an undisclosed target along with its related proteins using its suite of proprietary X-ray crystallography techniques.
It will then screen fragments and compounds supplied by UCB to get a picture of the structure of the compounds as they bind to the target proteins to help select suitable candidates that can progress to medicinal chemistry and optimisation.
The financial terms of the deal – which includes fixed research fees and milestones - have not been disclosed.
Proteros makes much of the ‘industrialisation’ of its process, with all steps - from protein production and purification up to crystallisation and X-ray structure determination - integrated into a controlled process.
The company’s proprietary technologies include Free Mounting System (FMS) which helps crystallographers to optimise diffraction patterns of macromolecular crystals by carefully controlling the humidity around a crystal and its water content, and Picodropper, an instrument which allows precisely controlled addition of picoliter droplets of ligand solution to a FMS-mounted protein crystal.
Proteros’ also owns a part of a new Synchrotron beamline, currently established at Swiss Light Source, Villingen, which can help it rapidly collect X-ray data.
Last year, Proteros joined forces with Mercachem BV of the Netherlands to add medicinal chemistry services to its portfolio, allowing the two companies to offer fragment-based drug discovery, fragment evolution, hit-to-lead generation, lead optimistion and the preparation of clinical development candidates.
Proteros’ client list includes Bayer Healthcare, Boehringer Ingelheim, OSI Pharmaceuticals and Almirall. Last year the firm won a €5.5m (6.9m) federal research contract from Germany’s Ministry of Education and Research.
More news articles on this topic
UCB refocuses and cuts workforce 17%
UCB opens Irish facility
Ex-UCB unit sells for €0.8bn
Partners aim to take lead in fragment screening
Copyright - Unless otherwise stated all contents of this web site are © 2000/2009 - Decision News Media SAS - All Rights Reserved - For permission to reproduce any contents of this web site, please email our Syndication department: Administration & Finance - Full details for the use of materials on this site can be found in the Terms & Conditions
Related Technical papers & Case studies
Technical papers
Safety Pharmacology: Current Industry Trends and Practices by LAB Research Related Products, Brochures, Web links
Brochures
Leadership in Preclinal Research Related Suppliers
Almac Group | Asterand plc | B. Braun Melsungen AG | Bilcare Global Clinical Supplies (GCS) | Camargo | Genzyme Pharmaceuticals | Novasep | Pharmatek | SPS Pharma Services Latest audio & video news
PTI unveils Toyo's "stick pack" system at InterphexDrugmakers still confused by CFR-21 parts 210 and 211, says WestFlexibility is key for processing sector says MilliporeLatest news headlines
GVK - Excel alliance reaches from India to China MWV expands blister pack range with Shellpak-170 2008 a growth year says Germany’s XClinical US CMOs economy proof in the long term, says F&S Coast IRB suspends ops following GAO probe Most Popular News
CROs pursue international expansion
Some CROs benefiting more than others
Pharma outsourcing: people on the move
Piramal moves UK API operations
Catalent sells French solid dose plant to Bavaria
On your radar
Globalisation
GVK - Excel alliance reaches from India to China US CMOs economy proof in the long term, says F&S
Patient safety
MWV expands blister pack range with Shellpak-170 Drugmakers still confused by CFR-21 parts 210 and 211, says West
Consolidation
GVK - Excel alliance reaches from India to China CROs pursue international expansion
Clinical evolution
2008 a growth year says Germany’s XClinical Radiant broadens Indian clinical research Spectrum
Free e-mail alerts
Please indicate your area of interest and receive free alerts directly to your inbox
Analytical testing, QC
Bulk ingredients
Contract sales & marketing
Data management
Drug delivery, formulation
Fill & finish, packaging
Phase I-II
Phase III-IV
Preclinical
Regulatory affairs
Supply chain, logistics
Validation services
Weekly / Daily Free Newsletter
In-PharmaTechnologist.com
Pharmaceutical Technology
OutSourcing-Pharma.com
Outsourcing Pharma
LabTechnologist.com
Laboratory Equipment
Other Newsletters
Drug targeting and delivery
Clinical Research
Pharma finance
Pharma legislation
Free subscription now!
© 2000/2009 - Decision News Media SAS - All right reserved.
Comments: 0