PHARMACEUTICAL
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CLINICAL
CHEMICAL
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ENVIRONMENT
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 Volume 23, Number 1
High-yield transient production of antibodies and proteins for use in pre-clinical programs
How electroporation can enhance gene editing in 2019
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R&D News.................. 1 Appointments............. 6 New Products........... 12 App Reviews.............. 15
MARS INNOVATION’S TRIPHASE ACCELERATOR ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CELGENE FOR FIRST-IN-CLASS WDR5 LEUKEMIA THERAPY
This image depicts a chemical probe interfering with the WDR5 protein (in red, white and blue) in patients with leukemia. This chemical probe served as the starting point for OICR’s drug discovery efforts towards a potential first-in-class drug targeting the WDR5 protein. (CNW Group/FACIT) Toronto-based Triphase Accelerator, a drug development company co-founded by MaRS Innovation, has partnered with Celgene Corporation to create a pre-clinical drug developed by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, targeting the WDR5 protein for the treatment of leukemia and other blood cancers.
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Rafi Hofstein, co-founder and director of Triphase and president and CEO of MaRS Innovation noted, “Celgene’s expertise together with the commitment of our founding partners will not only continue to support the successful Triphase model but will also ensure increased global focus on Toronto
and Ontario more broadly.” This partnership marks the largest to date for a pre-clinical asset based on Canadian research with Celgene paying $40 million US up front and
the option to acquire TRPH-395 from Triphase Accelerator for up to an additional $940 million US including contingent development, regulatory and sales milestones. “I am thrilled that our initial vision of creating a stellar oncology drug development engine is now bearing fruit,” says Hofstein. Triphase Accelerator’s primary focus in oncology. They are dedicated to advancing novel compounds through operations in Toronto and San Diego. WDR5 is the third asset Triphase has developed with Celgene. In 2016 marizomib became the first asset acquired by Celgene and is currently in Phase 3 development for glioblastoma. The second acquired asset was recently moved into Phase 1 clinical trials. Triphase is committed to advancing novel compounds through Phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical studies using faster and more cost-effective approaches than traditional pharmaceutical and biotech industry drug development approaches. Triphase’s partnership with Celgene is strategically focused on oncology drug development opportunities.
23ANDME ADDS WEIGHT-LOSS COACHING TO ITS DNA TESTING SERVICE Mountain View, California-based DNA-testing giant 23andMe Inc announced in January that it will add weight-loss coaching to its DNA testing service. To deliver this option, 23andMe is partnering with Lark Health, an AI coaching service that delivers personalized weight-loss and diabetes advice through an app.
“This was born from our desire to get our customers to do more with their genetics,’’ said Emily DrabantConley, vice president of business development at 23andMe. Some genetic experts are concerned about the science behind the Continued on page 3
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NEWS
STUDY INVESTIGATES SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES IN NITRATE LEVELS IN US DRINKING WATER The Silent Spring Institute in Newton, MA, US recently authored an article in the Environmental Health journal noting that understanding
the effect of nitrate exposure is critical for understanding strategies to reduce exposure. Nitrate concentrations of above 5 mg/L may
be associated with adverse health consequences such as cancer, birth defects, and preterm birth. In 99 per cent of the com-
munity water systems (CWSs) in the United States, nitrate levels do not exceed the maxiContinued on page 3
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NEWS 23andMe adds weight-loss coaching Continued from page 1 service stating that tools like these haven’t shown anything useful. “The idea is good, but without the proof of peer-reviewed publications with prospective study, we have no knowledge whether these algorithms have any benefit,’’ said Eric Topol, a geneticist at Scripps Research Institute. Drabant-Coley believes the service will motivate people to lose weight because genetics are “personal, so people take suggestions more seriously’’. The service was born out of
Socioeconomic Disparities Continued from page 2
mum contaminant level indicated by the Environmental Protection Agency, and in fact most average nitrate concentrations were below 1 mg/L. But, out of the 39,466 CWSs observed, 1,647 had nitrate concentrations above 5mg/L. A major source of nitrate pollution is agriculture, therefore Dr. Laurel Schaider, lead author of the study, hypothesized that “Hispanic Americans might have higher nitrate in their drinking water because many US farmworkers are Hispanic. However, we saw these associations even after we adjusted our statistical model to take into account agricultural land use. These results suggest that there may be additional reasons why Hispanic residents in the US have higher nitrate in their drinking water.” To understand the link between nitrate levels and demographics, data was compiled based on 616,591 samples from 39,466 CSWs from across the United States taken between 2010 and 2014. While the authors of the study caution that nitrate levels vary depending on the time of year of collection and the true average nitrate concentration may not have been capture, these findings suggest that programs attempting address nitrate contamination to help low-income and small public water supplies may not be addressing the problem adequately. Approximately 5.6 million Americans are served by public water supplies with nitrate levels of more than 5 mg/L.
a 100,000-person study conducted last year by 23andMe where the link between DNA and dieting success was investigated. For $19.99 per month, Lark’s app will take users’ genetic information and incorporate data from eight different 23andMe reports to provide their weight-loss advice. While Topol said he’d like to see more research, Lark CEO Julia Hu says Lark uses the genetic markers to identify the weight-loss interventions that are most relevant to the individual at the most opportune time to help them succeed.
CANADIAN INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RESEARCH (CIHR) GRANTS SUPPORT IMPORTANT PROJECTS FROM INDIGENOUS HEALTH TO CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY More than $10 million in funding was issued by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to health researchers in London, Ont. The money was split between Schulich Medicine & Dentistry ($7.3 million) and Lawson Health Research Institute ($2.8 million) for a total of 15 projects, some addressing anti-cancer immunotherapy, and two projects investigating Indigenous health. One of the projects receiving funding is Lloy Wylie, PhD’s study looking to improve the ability of health care organizations to meet the health care needs of Indigenous people. Wylie’s study evaluates interventions such
as training, storytelling, relationship building, and the implementation of new policy and practice guidelines in Indigenous health care. Shawn Li, PhD’s study aiming to develop new immunotherapy for hard to treat cancers is another project receiving funding. By investigating the molecular basis of immune evasion in cancer, Li hopes to discover “a deepened understanding of the molecular basis of immune escape in cancer [that] would pave the way for the development of rationally designed immunotherapies.” “Funding from the CIHR will enable our research leaders to advance their
studies in a number of important areas related to our understanding of the underlying basis of health and disease as well as advances in treatment and health care delivery,” said David Litchfield, PhD, vice dean of research and innovation at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. “This research reflects the commitment of our school to address the needs of our society.” For a full list of funding recipients visit Schulich Medicine & Dentistry news. https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/ about/news/2019/january/cihr_funding_supports_important_projects_ from_indigenous_health_to_cancer_immunotherapy.html
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NEWS
DR. CHRISTINA McCORD MAKES PATHOLOGY COME ALIVE
Dr. Christina McCord
For Dr. Christina McCord, DDS, teaching is all about the students. A dentistry program is challenging and it’s important for students to seek support from each other as well as faculty. “My goal is to create a great learning experience for the students, so that they can feel prepared to go out into the world and potentially make a life changing diagnosis,” she said. The successor to Dr. Tom Daley in Schulich Dentistry oral pathology, Dr. McCord remembers being exposed to passionate teachers like Dr. Daley and mentor Dr. Mark Darling at London’s Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. These teachers inspired Dr. McCord to learn more, so after graduating from Schulich, she went on to study oral pathology and oral medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. McCord currently teaches first-,
second- and third-year dentistry students about oral disease, oral surgery, and general practice dental. It’s clear that Dr. McCord loves what she does. In addition to teaching, she runs a busy clinical practice at London Health Sciences Centre’s University Hospital and participates in a diagnostic pathology service for dental and medical professionals in Ontario. At the university, Dr. McCord is also building a research program to investigate pathologic lesions of the mouth, focussing on premalignant and potentially malignant lesions and human papillomavirus associated with oral dysplasia. “I really care deeply about the school, and I love what I’m doing,” she said. “It’s just so fulfilling to be working with students and sharing some of my experience with them.”
US SMARTPHONE APP USED TO RECRUIT PATIENTS FOR CLINICAL TRIALS It’s often difficult to recruit subjects for clinical trials with low-income and minority patients often being underrepresented in the trial. When underrepresentation occurs in a trial, the results are often less valid. Furthermore, when clinical trials fail to meet their recruitment goals, the study is often delayed, terminated early or found inconclusive because of a lack of statistical power. Doc.ai, smartphone app developer and blockchain-based AI platform, may have a solution that uses AI to guide subjects through their “omics”
(genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) to make better health decisions. The company currently has a deal with Anthem Inc., the second largest health insurer in the US, to enable people to participate in studies best suited to their personal profile. Rajeev Ronanki, Chief Digital Officer at Anthem says, “The holy grail is to put interlocking data together and keep the patient in the center”. It’s expected that the AI health data mining market will exceed $6 billion US by 2021. Founder and CEO of doc.ai, Walter
De Brouwer, sees the value in empowering individuals by making their personal health information accessible. “Evolution of health data has unprecedented value,” De Brouwer says. “We want to put all your data in one place, so you can access it with the click of a button on your phone.” So far, over 25,000 users have uploaded personal information and provided access to their health records. When individuals share their health care information through the doc.ai app, they have the potential to improve their future health outcomes.
BIOGEN AND SKYHAWK THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP NOVEL SMALL MOLECULE RNA SPLICING MODIFIERS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE TARGETS Skyhawk small molecule therapeutics for alternative splicing of RNA (SkySTARTM) is a platform that can create small molecule drugs that lead to breakthrough treatments for patients. On Jan. 4, Biogen Inc. and Skyhawk Therapeutics announced they would be collaborating to leverage Skyhawk’s SkySTARTM technology platform in the hopes of discovering new small molecule treatments for patients with neurological diseases. As one of the world’s first global biotechnology companies, Biogen has made it their mission to be pioneers in the neuroscience field. Through this $74 million deal where Skyhawk received an upfront payment, Biogen is granted
an exclusive license to worldwide intellectual property rights on research-stage treatments for multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and other neurological disorders. Biogen’s executive vice president of research and development, Michael Ehlers, MD, PhD said, “Skyhawk’s platform offers a powerful approach to target neurological conditions using selective RNAmodulating small molecules, creating exciting possibilities for potential new therapies”. Skyhawk plans to use a portion of the upfront payment to fund future research with the remainder being expensed to research and development during the first quarter of 2019. Bill Haney, co-founder and CEO of Skyhawk looks forward to the re-
sults of this new agreement. “Their strong scientific culture has already produced a series of leading global therapeutics. We look forward to
working with their team with the goal of potentially enhancing the treatment options we could bring to the neuroscience community.”
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NEWS CANNABIS INNOVATION CENTRE DIRECTOR HOPES TO REDEFINE CANNABIS BREEDING
Due to the recent legalization of cannabis, this area of science is set to grow like never before. Until now, gamechanging breakthroughs with cannabis crops haven’t been possible because it’s been illegal. Greg Baute, Director of the Cannabis Innovation Centre (CIC) in Comox, BC, is hoping to do for the cannabis industry what P. Leclecq did for the sunflower growing business. “In the 1960s, P. Leclecq was the first person to cross wild sunflowers, and he changed the sunflower growing business forever,” says Baute. “Somebody in the next five to 10 years will make a similar discovery and define how cannabis is bred forever,” he said. Baute is a fourth-generation farmer with a PhD from the University of BC where he focused on the domestication and improvement of the sunflower. He grew up watching his parents run their hybrid corn seed company, Maizex Seed Inc. Several hybrid sunflower lines developed by Baute are currently used around the world. As the director of breeding and genetics at CIC, Baute and his staff will be cloning plants, germinating seed, and finalizing the number of plants each genome will grow. The CIC will focus on marker-assisted selection, not transgenic plants, which have been injected with DNA from an unrelated organism. Transgenic is often what people mean when they say “GMO”. Jonathan Page, PhD, the first scientist to sequence the cannabis genome, came up with the idea for the CIC. It will include a 21,000 square foot green house and 10,000 square foot laboratory and should be complete this summer.
FACULTY OF UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO AWARDED GRANTS FOR OPEN SCIENCE PROGRAM In August 2018, the University of Waterloo launched the Open Science website to provide free lessons in general chemistry that would typically be covered at the Canadian grade 11 and 12 level. The lessons can be done as standalone topics and include interactive components to help engage students. The program was developed by Waterloo department of chemistry faculty members Carey Bissonnette and Laura Ingram. “I’ve always wanted to give students opportunities to actively engage with the content, and ideally, to discover key chemistry concepts through experimentation and exploration,” says Bissonnette. “The authoring environment we are using to create our content is not only remarkably powerful but also very versatile and easy to use.” In January 2019, it was announced that Bissonnette and Ingram have been awarded a Natural Sciences and Engineering Re-
Laura Ingram
Carey Bissonnette
search Council’s PromoScience grant to expand their online program. Bissonnette and Ingram plan to expand the program to include resources for instructors. “When students are in control of their learning, it changes the conversation they’re having with their instructors,” said Ingram. “If we can also relieve instructors from having to create lots of content, they can turn their attention to assessment. It’s as much about getting material
into the hands of students as well as teachers.” Lessons in the Open Science program include a combination of text, images and video, and are designed to be interactive by generating spontaneous questions and giving instant feedback. The feedback portion of the program enables students to self-assess their learning and encourages them to keep going.
PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE
A challenge when using anti-microbial chemicals is how to use them to prevent infection, but without allowing the infectious agents to develop a resistance to them. University of Victoria civil engineering professor Heather Buckley and her team have won an international award from the
Massachusetts-based Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3) for their work in this area. Buckley’s 10-member team included Berkeley researchers, members of the US Department of Agriculture, and representatives of companies that develop environmentally friendly alterna-
tives to traditional soaps and cleaning products. The competition called for innovative environmental solutions to practical commercial problems. “Microbial resistance is something that is crucial for people as the immediate users,” said Buckley. “It’s crucial in terms of population health, and it’s really crucial if you think about those who are being exposed to high levels of these chemicals during their production.” The anti-microbial agent created by Buckley and her team won the GC3 award because it included a unique reversible feature, effectively rendering the solution non-toxic at the end of its life. Two proprietary components in the anti-microbial formula developed by Buckley’s team form a biologically active dimer once added to a product like shampoo. Once the product has been diluted by use, the two components go back to their inert forms, making it impossible for microorganisms to develop resistance to their active forms. Prize money included as part of the GC3 award will be split amongst the ten team members with UVic using their portion to support a graduate student investigating how this same reversibility strategy can be used in water treatment and storage to avoid the use of harsh disinfectants like chlorine.
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APPOINTMENTS
Sysmex Canada names Ian Heynen as General Manager. Sysmex Canada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sysmex America
Ian Heynen and leading diagnostic solutions company, has named Ian Heynen as general manager. Heynen has master’s degrees in business administration and chemical engineering and brings with him over 15 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry. “Ian is a strong leader with a successful track record of delivering business results,” said Andy Hay, chief executive officer of Sysmex Canada. “The combination of his passion for growing teams and his healthcare experience will aid Sysmex in bringing to market new products that equip patients, and the healthcare professionals who treat them, with the information needed to make decisions with greater trust and confidence.” Mr. Heynen comes to Sysmex from Profound Medical Corp. where he was senior vice president of sales and marketing, leading commercial teams to open new and expand existing markets. He also developed direct and distributor-based sales channels. Heynen’s previous experience includes acting as president of the international division of Hologic Inc., chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Sentinelle Medical Inc. and financial controller of GE Healthcare. In his new role as general manager of Sysmex Canada Inc. reporting to Hay, Heynen will carry out Sysmex’s business strategy in the Canadian market by overseeing operations including marketing and sales and technical service functions. Dr. Bertha Garcia honoured as YMCA Woman of Excellence. Dr. Bertha Garcia will be honoured at the YMCA Women of Excellence Gala at the London Convention Centre on May 15 for her contribution
to science, medicine and education. Dr. Garcia began teaching young school children in Lima, Peru at only 13 years of age. For more than three decades, Dr. Garcia has taught thousands of students and mentored hundreds of professionals using her passion, humour and highly developed understanding of how people learn. Medical education in southwestern Ontario has been greatly improved thanks to Dr. Garcia who had the foresight and clinical leadership to form a single flourishing pathology department from the three that existed in London’s hospitals previously. Dr. Garcia’s medical and educational outreach extends from London to Peru, Yemen, China and the Caribbean. In a 2017 article for Rapport Magazine, she was quoted as saying she loves what she does and looks forward to coming to work every day. “I don’t think I could ever stop teaching, and there are so many ways I can contribute to medical education and society that is not
Dr. Bertha Garcia the traditional classroom,” she said. “Bertha is a role model not only for aspiring women leaders, but for anyone who values the science and art of teaching. She leads with curiosity, enthusiasm, impeccable historical knowledge and integrity,” said Dr. Chris Watling, Associate Dean, postgraduate medical education, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. The YMCA Women of Excellence Gala is held every two years by the London YMCA with all proceeds from the event going to support the YMCA Strong Kids Program. As one of Canada’s most revered medical educators and clinical leaders, Dr. Garcia shares the YMCA Woman of Excellence award with seven other women in the London community. McGill University appoints Dr. Anne McKinney as Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, Faculty of
Dr. Anne McKinney
Medicine. McGill University has created new position – Associate Dean, Academic Affairs, Faculty of Medicine – and has appointed Dr. Anne McKinney to the role. In her new role, reporting to the Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs, Dr. McKinney will continue the development of the faculty mentoring Telemachus Scholars Program. Other duties in Dr. McKinney’s new role include promoting faculty excellence, establishing programs and improving processes to support academic engagement and assisting the VPDean and Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs in guaranteeing the highest standards of professionalism and conduct in campus and clinical teaching settings. Dr. McKinney joined McGill’s faculty of medicine as an associate professor in the department of pharmacology and therapeutics in 2005. Now a full professor, Dr. McKinney was Associate Vice-Principal of Research and Innovation, Health Affairs, from January 2016 to December 2018 where she supported the overall mission of advancing biomedical and health sciences research excellence at McGill. The focus of Dr. McKinney’s own research is the molecular basis of synapses. Using cutting-edge imaging techniques to reveal synaptic stability and neuronal circuitry processes, Dr. McKinney hopes to develop therapies for autism, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. Her research has been published in leading international peer-reviewed journals and has received funding from CIHR, NSERC, ARSACS Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. Dr. David Eidelman, Vice-Principal, Health Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. Lesley Fellows, Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs, are pleased to welcome Dr. McKinney to her new role.
Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka appointed as the Beryl Ivey endowed chair in One Health. Dr. Davy Cheng, Dean of Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka as the Beryl Ivey Endowed Chair in One Health for Jan. 1, 2019 – Jan. 1, 2024. Dr. Olea-Popelka’s research focuses on the study of disease and addresses the global health issues that intersect livestock, wildlife and humans. Recognized as an international authority on zoonotic tuberculosis (TB), Dr. Olea-Popelka is leading the global effort to address public health challenges proposed by zoonotic TB in conjunction with the World Health Organization, The International Union Against Turberculosis and Lung Disease, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health. Together with these organizations,
Dr. Francisco Olea-Popelka he aims to provide solutions for humans living in rural communities affected with TB and HIV. As well as holding the endowed chair position, Dr. Olea-Popelka is associate professor in pathology and laboratory medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. OleaPopelka earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile. He earned a master’s in epidemiology in 2002 and a PhD in epidemiology in 2007 from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph. Dr. OleaPopelka has been nominated for and won numerous awards throughout his career including the “Achiever” Award at The Union in 2014, Graduate Students Recognition Award in 2005, the CAVEPM Travel award for ISVEE 10th in 2003 and the Margaret A. B. Maxwell Memorial Scholarship in 2002 and 2003.
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Laboratory Focus February/March 2019
FEATURE
B Y K A RE N RA M L A L L
High-yield transient production of
Antibodies and Proteins FOR USE IN PRE-CLINICAL PROGRAMS THE BIOTECH ECOSYSTEM HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS AND TODAY, UNIVERSITIES AND SMALL BIOTECH COMPANIES ARE A SIGNIFICANT SOURCE OF INNOVATION IN THIS SECTOR. IN FACT, 62 PER CENT OF DRUGS APPROVED IN THE UNITED STATES. IN 2017 ORIGINATED IN SMALL COMPANIES, ACCORDING TO HBM PARTNERS, A HEALTHCARE INVESTING FIRM.1 The challenge for some of these small companies and academic laboratories is that they often do not have the infrastructure, resources or in-house expertise to carry out all the scientific work needed to move a promising candidate along the drug development pipeline. Key to the success of projects like these is collaboration with a contract research organization (CRO) that has the relevant scientific experience and expertise. In 2018, the Centre for the Commercialization of Antibodies and Biologics (CCAB) launched C-Lab, an antibody and protein production facility with an in-house team of experts. The team works with a range of small and midsize life sciences companies as well as academic clients, who have a need for antibody and protein pro-
duction for pre-clinical drug development and research. C-Lab works with a variety of academic and industry partners and has established itself as a valuable CRO in Toronto’s vibrant and expanding biotech community. The team has extensive experience in producing highquality antibodies and other proteins. Its comprehensive and tailored suite of services includes: • Antibody and Protein Production, • Custom Solutions and Optimized Protein Purification, • Antibody Engineering, • Antibody Characterization and • Plasmid Services. Here we highlight a few of the solutions the C-Lab team has provided to its clients in recent months.
Dependable system scalability from μg to g quantities C-Lab’s optimized protocols ensure that the same antibody sequence can be produced over a range of scales – mL up to 10L – while maintaining the same production yield (mg/L). Scalable expression systems ensure cost effectiveness by enabling production at the appropriate scale for each stage of a project. Case study Client A, a midsize biotech company, approached C-Lab with a discovery project. In the first phase, they required small amounts (< 100 μg) of a large number of antibody clones for screening. As the project progressed, they required greater amounts (> 500 mg) of protein for a smaller number of antibody clones. With C-Lab’s ability to scale, the team was able accommodate client A’s needs through both phases of the project. The capacity to fulfill a client’s production needs throughout all pre-clinical development stages of their project saves time and money and allows the client to focus on the research.
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FEATURE
Reliable, high yield, quality production and characterization C-Lab’s antibody production and characterization services provide comprehensive data that allows clients to select and focus on the most promising leads. Case study Client B, a start-up biotech, came to C-Lab with antibody conjugation technologies, but the client had limited capacity and in-house expertise to produce and characterize the antibodies needed to validate their technology. The experts at C-Lab produced a range of antibodies against Client B’s target of interest, which was followed by a full suite of characterization services, including assessment of binding (by ELISA and flow cytometry), affinity (SPR) and biophysical characteristics (SEC). Client B was presented with the necessary data for them to confidently select their lead candidate and advance towards the next stage of producing their desired molecule.
The challenge for some of these small companies and academic laboratories is that they often do not have the infrastructure, resources or in-house expertise to carry out all the scientific work needed to move a promising candidate along the drug development pipeline.
Expertise in purification of various formats, species and isoforms Understanding the importance of both antibody species immunogenicity and modulation of antibody effector function, C-Lab is skilled in the production of a wide range of antibody species and isoforms. The CLab team also has experience in producing various antibody formats and fragmentations, recognizing that different modalities are a growing alternative to full-length antibodies. Case studies Species and isoform switching – Client C, an academic research group, had a predefined antibody sequence and was looking for the optimal antibody species and isoform to effectively perform their in vivo studies. C-Lab’s ability to offer a range of expression plasmids combined with the team’s extensive experience purifying different antibody isoforms from different species enabled the client to have the same VH and VL sequences produced as hIgG1, hIgG4 and mIgG1 formats. From these options, Client C was able to select the best antibody format for further development work. Comparison of antibody modalities – Client D’s project entailed comparing their full-length IgG against the Fab and Fab’2 formats of the same clone. C-Lab’s comprehensive knowledge working with antibody fragments allowed for the design and purification of the required for-
mats, supplying them with the material needed to perform their comparisons.
Custom solutions for difficult-to-purify proteins Clients sometimes require a custom purification solution. C-Lab offers a range of optimized options, including modified purification for sensitive proteins, early buffer formulation testing, custom buffers and endotoxin testing and removal. The custom options maximize the purity and yield of target proteins and offer flexibility. Case study Client E had a lead hIgG1 sequence that it was developing as a potential cancer immunotherapy. Initial in vitro studies showed immense promise, however the IgG proved unstable during purification, making it costly to yield enough for their in vivo testing. C-Lab was able to produce this hIgG1 using a modified protocol and successfully increased the yield 10-fold. Client E was then able to move forward with in vivo
studies, a key component in preclinical development.
Finding solutions through collaboration Antibody and protein production is a complex process and consequently, can present numerous challenges for academic and commercial research groups. Additionally, teams across industries may find they lack the in-house expertise or experience to identify the appropriate solutions. Through its work with academic and industrial clients, the C-Lab team has collaborated to find solutions for these production and purification challenges with the goal of helping to advance research and pre-clinical programs. Collaborations have included work with Toronto’s Immunobiochem Corporation and San Francisco’s Pionyr Immunotherapeutics as well as academic laboratories in Canada and the United States. Towards the goal of pre-empting common problems, one in-house solution that the C-Lab team has developed is an optimized transient trans-
fection system for the production of antibody and protein products. The optimized system saves time, reduces costs and offers system scalability and flexibility. C-Lab’s approach delivers all of these advantages without sacrificing high yields. As such, C-Lab can extend the capabilities of an in-house scientific team with its comprehensive suite of services, from gene synthesis to antibody and protein production and characterization, as well as by offering custom solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Reference: 1. Dr. Ulrich Gellinger, Trends in US New Drug Approvals, HBM Partners, January 2018
Karen Ramlall is the communications manager at the Centre for the Commercialization of Antibodies and Biologics. Karen has helped non-profits and charities tell their stories for more than 15 years and has a special affection for science communications.
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FEATURE
B Y M I C HE L L E M . NG , Ph . D.
HOW ELECTROPORATION CAN ENHANCE GENE EDITING IN 2019
BTX ECM 2001+
R
ecent exciting advances in gene editing technologies such as clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins or transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) have made it faster and simpler for researchers to create targeted, sequence-specific cuts in DNA at an area of interest. By providing donor DNA with homologous ends matching the ends of the induced DNA breaks in the cellular genome, a scientist may then utilize cells’ natural DNA repair mechanisms to stitch DNA together in new ways. Designer cells may then be created with customized DNA sequences. Advances in gene-editing techniques are making it more efficient to make small changes in a single target gene, to knock-in or replace whole genes or to edit multiple different genes at the same time in a single step. Future applications for these gene editing technologies are only limited by a researcher’s imagination and their ability to deliver these tools to the target cells or tissues. Simple point mutations can be created in easy-to-transfect cells in vitro by delivering editing constructs with traditional transfection methods. However, for more difficult to transfect samples such as primary cells, 3D cultured cell structures or tissues in vivo, more efficient delivery methods are required. Similarly, for more complex insertions, gene replacements or multiplexed gene editing experiments where large or multiple constructs are being delivered, improving transfection efficiency is critical to success. Electroporation as a transfection method offers the advantage of facilitating the efficient delivery of large and complex payloads in a universal manner to all cell and tissue types. In this article, the principles of electroporation as a transfection method will be reviewed, some of the chief enhancements in commercially available electroporation instruments and electrodes will be discussed and examples of CRISPR gene editing techniques made possible by electroporation methods will be provided to illustrate the potential for research and discoveries that could be made as a result of this work in 2019 and beyond.
Electroporation is a physical transfection method that works by passing an electrical current through a cell or tissue sample. The current delivered by electroporation instruments induces charge differentials between the inside and outside of the cell membranes, resulting in the formation of transient pores in the cell membrane. During this carefully controlled electrical pulse, the gene editing constructs move into the cell through these pores and the cell membrane reseals after the completion of the pulse. With electroporation, the size of the gene editing constructs and donor knock-in DNA molecules that are delivered to the target cells are not limited. Electroporation may also penetrate to transfect cultured organs or whole tissues of live organisms. Currently available electroporation equipment is tailored to fit different types of applications depending on the researcher’s target cell or tissue types. Different types of waveforms, or electrical pulse shapes, are available to target different types of samples. Square electroporation waves consist of pulses that are delivered at a constant voltage, whereas exponential decay waves consist of pulses that begin at a peak voltage which then decays exponentially over time. Square wave electroporation systems such as the BTX ECM 830 are ideal for transfecting mammalian cells and tissues. Exponential decay wave systems such as the BTX ECM 630 are ideal for transforming bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms. For laboratories that need to universally transfect or transform all cell types of organisms, instruments that offer both square and exponential decay waveforms such as the BTX Gemini Twin Wave Electroporator offer both square and exponential decay modes for universal electroporation of any sample. In addition, electrofusion equipment such as the BTX ECM 2001+ offer more complex combinations of alternating current and square waveforms that may be employed in cell fusion and embryo manipulation. These types of instruments are best suited for applications utilizing gene editing technology to create transgenic research animals. The electrodes utilized in electroporation are also customizable to fit
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February/March 2019 Laboratory Focus www.laboratoryfocus.ca
FEATURE Figure 1 (a)
(b)
(c)
Use of BTX ECM 830 electroporation system and Tweezertrode electrodes for in vivo genome editing via microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ)-mediated targeted integration. (a) Experimental scheme for targeted Actb-2A-mCherry knock-in in fetal brain via in utero electroporation. (b) Representative immunofluorescence images of neurons showing correct mCherry knock-in at the Actb locus. Scale bar, 50 μm. GFP, transfected cells. (c) Relative knock-in efficiency measured by the percentage of mCherry+ cells among GFP+ cells. Adapted from EBioMedicine, Xuan Yao, et al. (2017) with permission from Elsevier.
experimental needs. For cells in vitro, the cells are removed from the culture vessel and suspended in an electroporation buffer containing the cargo molecules of interest. Then the cell and transfectant suspension is placed in contact with electrodes—typically in a chamber such as an electroporation cuvette—and connected to an electroporation generator that passes the current through the sample. For high-throughput applications, multi-well electroporation plates can transfect 5 to 384 samples at a time. Other types of electrodes are designed to sit inside culture vessels to transfect cells in an adherent state. For 3D cultured cells or slices of tissues in vitro or in vivo, the sample may be placed into a specialized electrode chamber, contacted with paddle-shaped electrode probes or reached by electrode needles inserted into the tissue. One key benefit of electroporation
as a means to facilitate gene editing technology is its efficient transfection of large molecules. Traditional chemical and lipid transfection methods are limited in efficiency for gene knock-ins. As an example of this, Fenghua Lu, et al.1 compared the efficiency of lipid transfection reagents and electroporation as methods to transfect gene editing constructs for knock-in of an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene into buffalo fetal fibroblasts (BFFs), which were subsequently used to create transgenic GFP-expressing animals. Electroporation was found to have higher transfection efficiency than both lipid reagents when assessed both at the stages of producing knock-in BFFs and in successful transgenic embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Ultimately, researchers were successful in creating live births of transgenic EGFP-expressing calves. A second important way that elec-
By providing donor DNA with homologous ends matching the ends of the induced DNA breaks in the cellular genome, a scientist may then utilize cells’ natural DNA repair mechanisms to stitch DNA together in new ways.
troporation is enabling more advanced gene editing technologies is its ability to efficiently penetrate 3D structures, transfecting tissue in a way that chemical, lipid and viral delivery methods cannot. Weijun Feng et al.2 and Xuan Yao et al.3 have utilized an in-utero electroporation strategy to deliver gene editing constructs to study the development of the fetal brain in vivo. Third, electroporation simplifies the workflow for the researcher and ensures greater reliability of results. A number of electroporation instruments available today offer preset starting electroporation parameters for common sample types to reduce the amount of optimization on the researcher’s part. Many current instruments also offer storage of custom user protocol parameters as well for push-button convenience. Electrical pulse and sample resistance monitoring and data logging features ensure consistency from experiment to experiment. The simplicity of electroporation instrumentation and methodology was harnessed by Wenning Qin et al.4 to develop in vivo electroporation of early-stage embryos with gene editing nuclease constructs. This method, named zygote electroporation of nuclease (ZEN), offers an easier alternative to microinjection techniques that require expensive microscopy and micromanipulator equipment and a much greater degree of technical expertise. In summary, electroporation instrumentation and techniques are increasingly becoming the methods of choice for easier, faster and
more efficient delivery of molecules of interest to more biologically relevant target model systems. Electroporation boosts the efficiency of gene editing tools, enabling researchers toward the next step of innovation and discovery.
References: 1. Lu, Fenghua, et al. “Efficient Generation of Transgenic Buffalos (Bubalus bubalis) by Nuclear Transfer of Fetal Fibroblasts Expressing Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein.” Scientific reports 8.1 (2018): 6967. 2. Feng, Weijun, et al. “CRISPRmediated Loss of Function Analysis in Cerebellar Granule Cells Using In Utero Electroporation-based Gene Transfer.” JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) 136 (2018): e57311. 3. Yao, Xuan, et al. “CRISPR/ Cas9–Mediated precise targeted integration in vivo using a double cut donor with short homology arms.” EBioMedicine 20 (2017): 19-26. 4. Qin, Wenning, et al. “Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in mice by zygote electroporation of nuclease.” Genetics (2015): genetics-115.
Michelle M. Ng, PhD is the Global Product Manager of the BTX line of electroporation and electrofusion products and the QuikPrep line of Sample Preparation Products at Harvard Bioscience in Holliston, Massachusetts.
www.laboratoryfocus.ca
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Laboratory Focus February/March 2019
FEATURE
Flexible plastic mold inspection system
wins new business for component supplier
F
or most businesses, automated quality assurance systems such as machine vision are rarely promoted as competitive advantages, much less as revenue centres. Instead, quality control activities often fall into the same category as risk mitigation, IT security, and maintenance — a necessary expense but not one to be celebrated. However, MVA Stratford Inc. (Stratford, Ontario, Canada), working with Cognex Preferred Systems Integrator (PSI) Radix (Tecumseh, ON, Canada), recently discovered that in today’s global supply chain marketplace, 100 per cent quality production can not only reduce rework costs and improve the bottom line, but it can also increase top-line sales by helping you gain market share. MVA Stratford is one of North America’s premier suppliers of plastic injection-molded parts for the automotive and related industries. If you have purchased a new car in the last decade, there is a good chance you have touched one of its products when placing coffee into a cup holder or securing your seat belt. Last year, MVA Stratford contacted one of their trusted machine vision integrators for help solving short shots on plastic molded injection machines for automotive components. Short shots occur when liquid plastic is injected into a mold but fails to fill the mold for any number of reasons. As a result, the final part is ejected from the mold before it is fully formed. This poses a major problem for manufacturers who depend on low inventories and justin-time component suppliers to keep overhead low and profitability high. Under some contracts, a customer can reject an entire shipment and impose financial penalties on the supplier (in addition to the lost revenue) based on a single short shot. As such contracts become more common, providing 100 per cent quality assurance is becoming a competitive advantage.
Making quality profitable In response to concerns about short shots from a leading automotive cus-
Image 1: A robot removes a part from the mold and presents both sides of the part to a Cognex In-Sight 7000 smart camera located on top of the mold press. tomer, MVA Stratford called in Sean Lett, vision and automation sales engineer for Radix, for help developing a mold inspection system to identify short shot parts before they ship to the customer. “MVA Stratford is one of the few plastic injection-molded part suppliers to use robots to unload plastic injection-molded parts from their presses,” explains Lett. “This opens up several advantages for MVA Stratford.” According to Lett, most companies simply retract holding pins from molds and let parts drop onto conveyors. With this method, a manufacturer can use machine vision to inspect only one side of a part; if the short shot is on the bottom of the part, it is undetectable. As part of the Radix-Cognex solution, a robot removes a part from the mold and presents both sides of the part to a Cognex In-Sight 7000 smart camera located on top of the mold press (see Image 1). Robot unloading also keeps parts from getting stuck in
Image 2: Two plastic molds are fully empty and ready for the next cycle of injection molding.
molds. In some cases, a molded part may not fall out of a mold onto the conveyor even when the pins are fully retracted, resulting in unplanned downtime. The machine stops until a technician can come clear the mold or fluid polymer is injected into the open mold, causing considerable downtime and cleanup. When carefully positioned to see both the part from the robot and the mold, a machine vision camera can also verify that the mold is empty, eliminating a common point of failure, says Lett. On the MVA Stratford press line, the Cognex In-Sight 7000 smart camera processes images using bestin-class PatMax® geometric pattern location algorithms and other image processing functions. It identifies the edges of a part and confirms that the part outline meets specifications. If the part passes, the In-Sight 7000 sends a “pass” signal to a nearby Yaskawa robot controller, telling the robot to place the part on the conveyor with other good parts. If the
part fails, the robot puts the part on a conveyor with scrap parts, guaranteeing 100 per cent quality to the end user. (See Image 2.)
Training is key to flexible manufacturing “One of the keys to success for MVA Stratford was taking ownership of these systems,” says Lett. “A part may run this week and not again for four months. And in every case, settings on the mold, press, robot and vision system change. Trained MVA Stratford technicians can quickly train the In-Sight 7000 to accommodate a new part or switch to a stored program from a previous run. Our training helped make this possible for MVA Stratford.” The plastic mold inspection solution has been so successful that one of MVA Stratford’s largest automotive clients pulled six other plastic injection-molded parts from competitors. The only caveat: that MVA Stratford commit to 100 per cent inspection.
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February/March 2019 Laboratory Focus www.laboratoryfocus.ca
NEW PRODUCTS GORE® Carotid Stent The FDA has approved the GORE® Carotid Stent for market. The stent is designed to re-open narrowed regions of the carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Made of nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) tubing laser-cut into a mesh shape, the stent is placed in the body with a tube in the leg then advanced up to the neck. The GORE® Carotid Stent is intended to be used with the GORE® Embolic Filter in patients who have had a recent stroke and have a moderate blockage of at least 50 per cent of the blood vessels of the neck, have a high likelihood of complications due to other medical problems, or have large blockages (80 per cent or more) of the vessels in the neck. The stent opens blockages to prevent future strokes, but should not be used in patients who: • Are allergic to nitinol or heparin, • Have blockages at the beginning of the neck artery, • Cannot take blood thinners or have bleeding disorders, • Have other problems that may prevent the GORE® Embolic Filter from being placed properly, or • Have problems that prevent the GORE® Carotid Stent catheter from getting to the blockage.
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm626637.htm
Biological safety cabinets
PolarSafe® ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) ice buckets and pans
New PolarSafe® EVA ice buckets and pans provide mess-free benchtop cryogenic chilling. Made from EVA, a thick non-toxic foam, these buckets and pans don’t sweat or leak, making them perfect for use with ice, dry ice, liquid nitrogen, alcohol and saline solutions. Other features of PolarSafe®’s buckets and pans include: • A variety of sizes and colours, • Convenient pour spouts for easy use and cleanup, • Stackable construction for neat and compact storage, and • Ergonomic handles on the base and lids make them easy to use with cryogenic gloves. PolarSafe® buckets and pans are created by Cole-Parmer Canada, a leading global source of laboratory and industrial fluid handling products, instrumentation, equipment and supplies since 1955.
https://www.coleparmer.ca/p/polarsafe-eva-ice-buckets/72830
MediBeacon’s transdermal GFR monitor
New biological safety cabinets from the biomedical division of Panasonic Healthcare (PHCbi) have completed PHCbi’s life sciences product line up. Safety is ensured through PHCbi’s laminar airflow control system which includes a specially designed electronically commutated high efficiency motor with speed control. The blower in the cabinets was strategically chosen to provide proper face velocity while compensating for filter loading and voltage variations resulting in consistent distribution of downflow air to prevent uneven filter loading. Biological safety cabinets by PHCbi are ideal for moderate risk hazard areas in research, drug preparation and product operation. Energy saving cell culture hoods operate at a lower speed when night mode is enabled, allowing for energy conservation while maintaining containment. PHCbi biological safety cabinet features include: • Five-year parts and labour warranty, • Compliant with NSF/ANSI 49 UL/UL-C, • Ringback warnings on airflow and sash opening arms, • Ergonomic design for easy accessibility to the work area, • Ability to accommodate a variety of decontamination processes, • Front filter removal for easy filter exchange by certified technicians, and • Eye level microprocessor with digital display for control over all functions.
https://www.phchd.com
MediBeacon is providing a better way to track kidney function via its glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measurement system. The GFR monitor is a non-invasive monitoring technology that uses a light sensor placed on the skin (like pulse oximetry). The sensor works in conjunction with a proprietary biocompatible tracer to monitor real-time point of care kidney function, enabling earlier detection of renal issues and earlier, more effective treatments. The tracer agent (MB-102) is pyrazine-based small molecule and has been used as a tracer agent in animal studies with no adverse reactions for up to 300 times the estimated human dose. Patents have been executed or are pending by MediBeacon. A monitor of this nature optimizes kidney care while minimizing the risk of renal failure and the need for dialysis or transplant. Earlier release from hospital is also possible if renal function is shown to be normal via the GFR monitor even if serum creatine isn’t back to normal.
https://www.medibeacon.com
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Laboratory Focus February/March 2019
NEW PRODUCTS
Carbon dioxide, a natural component of air, has been used in refrigeration since the 19th century. Because it occurs naturally in air in very large quantities, it doesn’t require a great amount of energy expenditure. It also has negligible greenhouse gas potential and doesn’t contribute to RC_lab_new:Layout 1 12/19/2012 AM Page ozone 10:01 depletion. The 1Unichiller CO2 is a onehundred per cent environmentally friendly alternative to refrigerators that use conventional synthetic refrigerants. Working temperatures of the Unichiller are designed to be from -20 to +100º C. The touch-screen controller includes numer-
Boston Scientific’s SpyGlassTM
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ous professional functions required to perform demanding temperature control tasks. Other benefits of the Unichiller by Huber include high operational safety, very good energy efficiency and a non-flammable, non-toxic refrigerant. Because the Unichiller doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gases, it is considered a future-proof investment as it is not affected by the European Union fluorinated greenhouse gas emission legislation.
https://www.manufacturingchemist.com/news/ article_page/New_circulating_cooler_with_CO2_ efrigerant/151319
SRC103
I wish to receive/continue to receive a complimentary subscription to Boston Scientific’s SpyGlass DS System may result in more efficient evaluation of the bile and pancreatic ducts by using high resolution imaging and therapy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to target biopsies and fragment stones. In a clinical study of 289 patients, the use of SpyGlassTM altered 85 per cent of patients’ clinical management and cleared 95 per cent of patients’ stones, reducing the need for more invasive and costly procedures. Compared to traditional ERCP, use of the SpyGlassTM system may result in more efficient evaluation, help reduce the need for additional testing and repeat procedures, and enable patients to receive treatment sooner. TM
http://www.bostonscientific.com
Circulating cooler with CO2 refrigerant
Yes
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February/March 2019 Laboratory Focus www.laboratoryfocus.ca
NEW PRODUCTS Chromacity ultrafast laser systems
Chromacity announced the release of its Chromacity 520, an air-cooled ytterbium fibre-based laser that combines high power with ultrashort pulse durations. It is like the company’s flagship 1040nm laser but with double the frequency. The Chromacity 520 is more compact, easier to use and provides better reliability than other laser technologies. “As scientists seek to experiment at even deeper tissue levels, there is growing need for laser sources that operate in the visible spectrum, like the Chromacity 520,” said Shahida Imani, CEO of Chromacity. “This could be for the development of nanoparticles technologies, where some materials have significantly stronger absorption characteristics within this visible region, or in photodynamic therapy and multi-photon imaging, where the high energies associated with UV light can break down DNA and restrict cancer growth.” The Chromacity 520 has applications in life sciences, materials science, fundamental research and beyond and is suitable for integration with industrial systems and microscopy systems. Ongoing experiments at the University of Glasgow are already using the laser as a source for quantum entanglement of protons, demonstrating that it can provide the necessary output with a higher power and lower cost than alternatives.
SharomixTM Amplify preservative solution SharomixTM Amplify is patent pending preservative solution which overcomes the microbial contamination challenge of a mild, preservative-free solution. To achieve the best antimicrobial results, SharomixTM Amplify uses a combination of several preservatives. The results are a lower level of use in a finished product of approximately .5 per cent. The SharomixTM Amplify solution is also free of parabens, isothiazolinones and formaldehyde donors. It’s highly compatible in formulas as well as odor and colour free.
http://www.sharon-labs.com/sharomix%E2%84%A2_amplify
Oval Gear flowmeters by Macnaught
http://www.chromacitylasers.com/chromacity-introduces-new-ultrafast-lasersystems/
TactiCathTM contact force ablation catheter Abbott has created an innovative solution for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: the TactiCathTM family of contact force ablation catheters. The TactiCathTM family includes the Sensor EnabledTM catheter and the Quartz ablation catheter. The Sensor EnabledTM ablation catheter is fully integrated with the EnSite PrecisionTM cardiac mapping system to provide procedural effectiveness and the TactiCathTM Quartz ablation catheter provides contact force measurements in real time. Both ablation catheters improve the ablation procedure by providing easy-to-understand measurements of the contact force applied between the catheter tip and the tissue surface. Abbott is leading the way with inventive designs to provide diagnostic options for the treatment and management of arrhythmias. The TactiCathTM Sensor EnabledTM ablation catheter is designed for effortless performance and comfortable usability. Its bi-directional handle provides additional reach as well as a unidirectional option. The handle shaft is designed to reduce the physical strain of use.
https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/int/en/hcp/products/electrophysiology/ tacticath-family-of-contact-force-ablation-catheters.html
Oval Gear flowmeters can be located off pumps, valves and U-bends with no loss in accuracy or repeatability. They can handle a wide range of fluid viscosity including epoxy, solvents, sealants, adhesives, resins, glycols, polymers, acids and bases, agricultural blends and seed coating. Macnaught flowmeters require minimal piping and are well suited for original equipment manufactured (OEM) designs, new installations or replacement of other devices. Designed for heavy duty industrial applications, Macnaught flowmeters are no match for vibration, dust and piping hammer atmospheres. Other features of Oval Gear flowmeters include: • Sizes ranging from 1/4 inch to 4 inches, • Flow ranges of .13 GPH to 317 GPM, • Low viscosity to 500,000 cps+, • Corrosion resistant and explosion proof options, • Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and PPS, and • Optional remote-control communication protocols.
https://www.macnaughtusa.com
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Laboratory Focus February/March 2019
APP REVIEW Calculate by QXMD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qxmd. calculate Calculate is a next-generation medical calculator and decision support tool available to the medical community. Includes essential tools for all areas of medicine focusing on highlighting tools useful in clinical practice for diagnosis, treatment and/or determining prognosis.
PARTNERSHIPS
key to sustaining innovation Universities and small biotech companies are a significant source of innovation in the laboratory sciences sector. Often these small companies and academic laboratories don’t have the infrastructure to see clinical trials through to the development of a product. Biotech companies and universities are coming up with more innovative ways to keep their studies going, including obtaining government funding, partnering with other organizations and creating unique ways to engage with clinical trial participants. In 2018, Toronto-based C-Lab launched with the goal of improving access to resources for small companies and universities in the laboratory sciences sector. The start of 2019 saw the largest global partnership for a pre-clinical asset based on Canadian research: Triphase Accelerator and Celegene Corporation. This new partnership will be working on a pre-clinical version of a drug to target the WDR5 protein in the treatment of leukemia and other blood disorders. And to better partner with subjects in clinical trials to increase the chance of a trial going to completion, doc.ai, a smartphone app developer, has created an app that uses artificial intelligence to mine health data to recruit subjects for clinical trials, empowering them to improve their health by sharing their personal healthcare information.
LabGear Medical Lab Test Reference
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. smartddx.labgearessentials Includes peer reviewed content for all health care professionals including students, physicians and nurses. A comprehensive library of medical tests with different diagnosis and related systems. Chemistry panels include basic metabolic, comprehensive metabolic, complete blood picture, arterial blood gases, liver panel, lipid profile, coagulation profile, diabetic profile and urinalysis.
Docty Medical & Laboratory Reference Values https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com. diogocapela.docty
This free app includes a clean design and promises no ads. Docty is a pocket app that provides medical reference laboratory range values for doctors, students and healthcare workers. Includes range values for vital signs, hematology, coagulation, blood gases, electrolytes, lipids and gastrointestinal.
Do More With Less Increased reproducibility at small volumes with the epMotion® liquid handling workstations Experience great accuracy and precision from 200 nL to 1,000 L with the epMotion liquid handling workstations. Improve your reproducibility for qPCR setups, NGS library preparations, and enzymatic assays and save money by eliminating pipetting errors.
> Improves pipetting accuracy with a CV of 1.6 % at 1 µL* > Software assistants for easy and intuitive application programming > Availability of 3 instrument sizes and multiple upgrade options to adjust to your workflow
www.eppendorf.com/automation • 800-263-8715 031.A1.0133.C Eppendorf®, the Eppendorf Brand Design, and epMotion® are registered trademarks of Eppendorf AG, Germany. All rights reserved including graphics and images. Copyright © 2019 by Eppendorf AG. *See Application Note 168 for more details.
