Proteome Regulatory News (PRM)

 Proteome Sciences plc

Proteome Sciences and Moffitt Cancer Center collaborate on clinical mass spectrometry assays for assessment of cancer patients

7 July 2011 - London, UK & Tampa, Florida; Proteome Sciences plc ("Proteome") a global leader in applied proteomics has entered into a collaboration agreement with Moffitt Cancer Center ("Moffitt"). Under the agreement, Proteome will support research to develop mass spectrometry assays measuring certain key signalling and repair pathway proteins that can be adapted for tumour biopsy analysis in the clinic.

The Principal Investigator at Moffitt, Dr. John Koomen, commented:

"With this technical collaboration and support from Proteome Sciences we can extend the group's activities to incorporate a large number of key proteins and post-translational modifications to rapidly translate laboratory tests into the direct management of cancer patients. We believe that knowledge of the molecular switches operating within each individual tumour will allow better selection and monitoring of treatment efficacy."

Dr. Ian Pike, COO of Proteome Sciences added:

"There has been tremendous progress in the ability of mass spectrometers to selectively measure subtle changes in the proteins involved in cellular signalling and repair. New methods capable of simultaneously measuring these changes across several pathways are urgently needed to deliver better outcomes in all cancers. We identified the expertise of the Koomen lab as being highly complementary to our own focus of profiling post-translational modifications in major human disease. We are delighted to be working with John and look forward to launching a number of new MS assays arising from this collaboration."

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About Proteome Sciences

Proteome Sciences is a global leader in applied proteomics and peptidomics offering high sensitivity, proprietary technologies for protein and peptide biomarker discovery, validation and assay development.

Its PS Biomarker Services™ uses isobaric and isotopic Tandem Mass Tag® (TMT®) workflows developed on the latest Orbitrap Velos and TSQ Vantage mass spectrometers to deliver rapid, robust and reproducible biomarker assay development for customers in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology sectors. Services are provided from its ISO 9001: 2008 accredited facilities in Frankfurt, Germany. By combining Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) and TMT workflows highly multiplexed assays can be developed rapidly and are suitable for screening hundreds of candidate biomarkers in larger validation studies and can be transferred for immunoassay development. The Company's own research has discovered a large number of novel protein biomarkers in key human diseases and is focused mainly in neurological/neurodegenerative conditions and in cancer. It has discovered and patented blood biomarkers, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, brain damage and lung cancer for diagnostic and treatment applications that are available for license or are already outlicensed. Proteome Sciences, based in Cobham, UK, with facilities in London and Frankfurt, delivers outsourced proteomics services and proprietary biomarkers/biomarker assays to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies.

Visit: http://www.proteomics.com.

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center  is an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center - a designation that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt currently has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia, one in Pennsylvania and two in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's Best Hospitals" for cancer. Moffitt marks a very important anniversary this year - 25 years committed to one mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.