Software screens for genotoxicity in potential drug compounds and helps to eliminate toxic compounds early in the drug discovery and development process, saving time and resources
GE Healthcare showcased at the Society for Biomolecular Screening's (SBS) 11th annual conference three advanced technologies currently in development that will help scientists understand disease, research fundamental biological processes, and discover new therapeutic agents.
"These latest developments demonstrate GE Healthcare's commitment to providing innovative tools for our customers working in biomolecular discovery and disease research.
"We strive to help researchers continually improve their drug discovery and development processes," said Keiko Hattori, senior vice president for discovery systems at GE Healthcare.
Technology developments highlighted at SBS:.
Micronucleus, a new software application for GE Healthcare's In Cell analyser 1000 and 3000 screens for genotoxicity in potential drug compounds and helps to eliminate toxic compounds early in the drug discovery and development process, saving time and resources.
The micronuclei assay identifies genotoxicity by finding breaks in DNA and is one of the most critical assays in the FDA approval process for new drugs.
Within ten minutes or less, the Micronucleus software application can analyse a 96 well plate when used with the In Cell analyser 3000.
The software further enhances In Cell analyser's advanced automated analysis capabilities to observe cells in culture during research to help build a picture of cell behaviour and responses.
GE Healthcare expects Micronucleus to be commercially available in autumn 2005.
The Optical Z-sectioning module for the In Cell analyser 1000 extends the high image quality obtained in cellular assays to imaging of tissue sections.
This new development is a combination of hardware and proprietary software control that removes out-of-focus light above and below the focal plane.
This will allow researchers to benefit from high quality 2D and 3D images of fluorescently labelled cellular and tissue samples for analysis.
GE expects the Optical Z- sectioning module to be commercially available in early 2006.
The Adenoviral Vector Gene delivery system expands the possibilities for lead compound profiling and drug target validation by enabling the development of cellular assays that can greatly aid secondary screening and early-stage drug discovery.
The system includes a range of ready-to-use recombinant adenoviral preparations.
Each preparation contains the gene encoding a protein target fused to EGFP or emerald FP, or a response element controlling the expression of nitroreductase (NTR).
Adenoviral vectors will become commercially available in autumn 2005.
"The right systems can help researchers increase efficiency and reduce cost to more accurately develop drugs that positively impact patient lives," said Hattori.
"At SBS GE Healthcare is showcasing proven solutions as well as advanced technologies for the future".
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