Contract Research
AROS provides not only a high throughout service, but also more comprehensive
research projects on contract. AROS scientists and affiliates represent
some of the most skilled clinical, molecular and bioinformatic researchers
in Europe. AROS has conducted large clinical projects aimed at finding
signatures, drug targets or genotypes defined by Pharma customers. Screening
of new drug candidates from in-vitro and animal studies are just one
activity within this area.
AROS has experience in handling all kinds of human and animal materials
and has access to very large biobanks via collaborators.
Signature
identification
For many diseases it is now
clear that certain specific signatures based on gene expression, can
predict disease course, drug response and early death.
AROS scientists were among the first to publish such signatures
in journals like Nature Genetics, Cancer Research etc.
Companion diagnostics tied to new drugs can be based on the ability
to identify the – perhaps minor –fraction of patients that
respond to treatment. AROS participates in the development of such
companion diagnostics based on its broad range of molecular tools.
AROS scientists help in structuring of the protocols, experimental design
and in power calculations. When signatures are identified by Affymetrix
arrays, AROS is transferring the most significant biomarkers to low cost,
easy to use, platforms like PCR.
AROS will perform all studies under GLP to assure a consistent
high quality ready for regulatory filings.
Clinical discovery and validation programs
The discovery of new targets/ responders/ survivors etc in clinical
cohorts has been a basic activity in AROS.
AROS both participate in discovering novel molecules and signatures,
but also in validating existing signatures or targets on large numbers
of clinical specimens.
Validation may be taken to the level of formalin fixed paraffin
embedded materials, to increase the number of accessible specimens. AROS
has protocols for FFPE isolation of DNA and RNA.
Identification of key pathways
Based on global gene expression measurements it is now possible
to identify activation or de-activation of key pathways. It involves
the use of front line software packages and bioinformatic experience.
At AROS we are constantly testing new software tools for this purpose,
and are frequently asked to participate as beta-testing site for new
tools.
When testing new drug candidates or selecting among several lead candidates, it is valuable to know which pathways that are triggered by the compounds, in both target tissue and other tissues where one can expect side effects.
AROS scientists will assist with:
• the design of the experiments to obtain a reliable pathway analysis
• the data analysis using various software tools that identify lists of
gene groups that are activated
• graphic presentation of the cellular networks involved