Proteome Regulatory News (PRM)

Proteome Sciences plc

Siena Biotech Appoints Proteome Sciences as Preferred Proteomic Services Supplier

9th August 2011  Proteome Sciences plc ("Proteome") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Master Research Agreement (MRA) with Siena Biotech S.p.A. ("Siena Biotech") under which it has been retained as preferred supplier of protein and peptide biomarker services for Siena's drug development programs.

In the first project under the MRA Proteome will apply its PS Biomarker Services™ to deliver a detailed analysis of post-translational modifications on a neurological disease-related protein. Proteome will apply proprietary sample preparation and analytical methods combined with state-of-the-art Orbitrap Velos mass spectrometry to deliver a high-density PTM map of Siena Biotech's protein target. Such maps are often used to confirm proof of disease mechanism and/or mode of action of new targeted therapeutics providing information to support go/no-go decisions in early drug development.

"Proteome Sciences plc will perform Mass Spectrometry analysis on proteins of interest to Siena Biotech" said Andrea Caricasole, Head of Pharmacology at Siena Biotech.

Commenting on the collaboration Christopher Pearce, Chief Executive of Proteome Sciences said:

"I am pleased to have Siena Biotech join the growing list of international pharmaceutical companies who have confidence in PS Biomarker Services™ to deliver high quality, mission-critical data within the required time and budget. Our unique approach to protein and peptide biomarker research on latest generation mass spectrometers is increasingly recognised as adding significant value to pre-clinical and clinical research projects. In addition, using Tandem Mass Tags™ we can rapidly develop targeted mass spectrometry assays for implementation in clinical trials and routine clinical medicine. We look forward to meeting Siena Biotech's current and future requirements for high quality biomarker services through our ISO 9001:2008 accredited facility in Frankfurt, Germany."

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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 Siena Biotech

Siena Biotech S.p.A. is an innovative, clinical-stage drug discovery company whose R&D efforts are focused on discovering new disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and in oncology. The company, based in Siena, Italy, is structured around drug discovery technology platforms from target validation to clinical studies. The company has developed an internal portfolio of R&D projects in three therapeutic areas: Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease and Cancer. Siena Biotech has built a wide network of external collaborations, both in the academic and business communities, to add to the scientific excellence of internal R&D, thus creating a sound scientific base for its interactions with patients and physicians. Siena Biotech is an instrumental company of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Foundation to operate in the field of scientific research and biotechnology, in line with its founding charter and mission. More information about Siena Biotech is available at: http://www.sienabiotech.com