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variations using as little as 10ng of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) DNA and RNA in a single standardized sequencing assay and data analysis workflow.


“We differentiate ourselves by securing early access to advanced technologies that align with pharma requirements in support of drug development programs,” said Charles J. Sailey, MD, MS, FCAP, FASCP, Chief Medical Officer of Sirona Dx. “We are very encouraged by the ability of the Oncomine Focus Assay to enable routine analysis of FFPE samples. To further accelerate drug development programs, we’re investigating Ion Torrent solutions for liquid biopsies and circulating tumor cells with plans to offer additional services in the future.”


“Pharmaceutical companies are in the midst of a paradigm shift in their drug development strategy, which is leading to a pronounced need for targeted NGS tools that enable precision and efficiency,” said Joydeep Goswami, president of clinical next generation sequencing at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We are proud that Sirona Dx has joined the growing list of partners who have adopted our Oncomine technology in an effort to help the pharma industry develop new therapeutics.”


Evotec and Oxford Create Novel Partnership Called 'LAB282'


Evotec AG has announced a novel strategic partnership with the University of Oxford, Oxford University Innovation Ltd, OUI (the university's research commercialization company) and Oxford Sciences Innovation, OSI (the world's largest IP investment company dedicated to a single university) aimed at accelerating the translation of basic biomedical research from Oxford into new therapeutics. Projects will be sourced exclusively from Oxford University researchers via OUI across any therapeutic area and for any therapeutic modality and will be aided by a drug discovery expert in residence seconded by Evotec to the LAB282 initiative and embedded in the university.


"LAB282" will be supported by a fund of £ 13 m (over EUR 14 m) led by OSI for an initial period of three years. The goal is to accelerate the achievement of pre-clinical proof of concept for new drugs and to generate new spin-out companies. The development of new treatments and cures for serious and debilitating diseases will help patients live longer and better lives as well as reduce the burden on global healthcare systems.


Evotec will exclusively contribute its drug discovery expertise and platforms to select projects and develop them further. Evotec will be entitled to equity in new LAB282 spin-out companies together with Oxford University and its academic researchers and together with OSI will have the right to co-invest in seed financing rounds.


Dr Cord Dohrmann, Chief Scientific Officer of Evotec, commented: "LAB282 is a highly innovative partnership that elegantly combines core strengths of academia, biotech, venture capital and strong links to Pharma under one "roof". Casting a wide net in terms of indications and technologies, it is designed to accelerate in particular first-in-class and potentially disruptive early-stage projects to value


inflection points that will facilitate the formation of companies. We are very proud to be part of this exciting endeavor with such highly distinguished partners and are convinced that this model will become a blueprint of effectively and efficiently translating academic science into highly differentiated product opportunities."


Dr Adam Stoten, Head of Technology Transfer, Life Sciences at OUI commented: "This pioneering approach addresses a major unmet need by engaging LAB282's partners, together offering world-class medical research, commercial drug discovery expertise and facilities, and significant investment resources. Today's announcement provides another great example of how UK universities are at the forefront of collaborative public-private drug discovery partnerships with the goal of patient benefit."


Professor Matthew Wood, Associate Head of Medical Sciences Division (Research) at Oxford University, said: "LAB282 represents an important innovation for Oxford in maximizing the impact of public funding in medical sciences. As the number one ranked medical school in the world it is critically important that the quality of our research is matched by high-quality translational support which increases the likelihood of future societal benefits."


Andrew McLean, Principal Investor, OSI added: "There are so many incredible and potentially life-changing ideas being fostered across Oxford University and we are delighted to be part of this unique partnership to nourish these ideas into leading companies that will have a positive impact on patients."


Cell Culture Company (C3) Deal Targets Pancreatic Cancer


Cell Culture Company (C3), a biopharmaceutical developer and manufacturer, has entered into an agreement with a China-based joint venture to produce a clinical-grade antibody-based therapeutic vaccine targeting pancreatic cancer.


OncoVent, a joint venture between Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Co. and Canada-based OncoQuest, began negotiations with C3 after its drug candidate had produced positive pre-clinical data for a combinatory immunotherapy targeting pancreatic cancer. C3 was ultimately awarded the contract and will complete the work at its Minneapolis-based cGMP bioproduction facility.


"C3 was chosen because of its ability to meet aggressive timelines, while providing the highest levels of expertise and quality," said OncoVent CEO, Dr. Y. Eric Shi. "We hope this is the beginning of a long relationship that results in saving many lives."


C3 is headquartered in a 33,000 square foot facility that houses corporate offices, bioreactor manufacturing operations, GMP- compliant laboratory space, and a distribution center.


“It's an honor to be selected to support OncoVent’s immunotherapy development,” said Christiaan Engstrom, President at C3. “We look forward to leading the production of a product we hope will have global impact.”


pharmoutsourcing.com | 47 | November/December 2016


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