Protagen to use UNIarray platform to discover MS biomarkers for Biogen

14 April 2011

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. Dortmund-based Protagen AG, a specialist in in-vitro diagnostics and GMP-compliant protein analysis, has announced that it will be using the UNIarray Platform to help discover biomarkers in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis for Biogen Idec, Inc.

Under the terms of the agreement, Protagen will apply its UNIarray technology platform and expertise in autoantibody research to support retrospective analysis of samples from a Biogen Idec clinical trial for the purpose of finding predictive and response biomarkers associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy.

UNIarray is a technology platform for the development of novel diagnostics based on indication specific autoantibody patterns in patient sera.

“There is an acute need to discover possible response and non-response biomarkers in MS using genomic and proteomic level markers,” said Dr Peter Schulz-Knappe, CSO of Protagen AG. “Autoantibody signatures play an increasingly important role as a technology platform that could be used to identify patients for optimized treatment efficacy and to monitor disease progression.”

“Pharmaceutical companies recognize more and more the importance of autoantibody signatures for drug development, and Protagen provides the right technology and unique expertise for collaborations in this area”, said Dr Stefan Müllner, CEO.