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Discovery immunotherapy

Immuno-oncology (I/O) is one of the key areas in oncology drug discovery and development. As time goes on, we are gaining the ability to harness the immune system in a meaningful way and dampen the deadly effects of tumor cells.

Industry-leading, cutting-edge capabilities

The industry has approached the opportunities presented by immuno-oncology from many angles, thus requiring identification, development, and refinement of models capable of recapitulating optimal biological dynamics along with the associated and relevant endpoints. While, in principle, the strategy for preclinical immuno-oncology studies is similar to the approach taken by non-immune modulating drugs, the reality is that these studies often require considerably more sophistication in order to deliver meaningful, decision-supporting data.

It is essential to meaningfully assess the immune effector cells involved in the development of a particular tumor model and those involved in mediating the anti-tumor response of individual therapeutics.

Flow Cytometry

Our Attune™ NxT flow cytometer has been a workhorse instrument in assessing immune effector cells, engaging complex panels of 10-12 colors to successfully evaluate immuno-oncology models and therapeutic responses. Our highly experienced and dedicated flow cytometry team provides off-the-shelf panels for immuno-phenotyping and can collaborate closely with you to design complex gating strategies to meet the specific needs of your studies.

Flow Cytometry

Radiation Therapy

In addition to testing immune-modulating agents themselves or testing other agents in combination with immune-modulators, it is important to consider the impact of radiation therapy, which is being integrated into and increasingly investigated in combination with these immuno-oncology protocols. Data showing abscopal effects of radiotherapy and immune modulators, along with direct combination anti-tumor effects, has provided proof-of-concept and is attracting further investigation of this highly utilized, clinically relevant modality in the preclinical setting.

Radiation

Tumor Models

We offer over 50 different syngeneic tumor models, from both solid and disseminated origins, to provide you with many choices to further your immuno-oncology research and development activities. For many of our models, we have growth curves available, and we continue to build our database with treatment response to agents of interest like anti-CTLA-4, anti-PDL-1, and anti-PD-1 antibodies. In addition, we have access to commercially generated humanized mouse models and can accommodate client-generated models as well.

Focal Beam Radiation Studies

We offer focal beam radiation studies with the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) from Xstrahl. SARRP incorporates CT imaging to allow for precise delivery of radiation to an anatomical target. Focal radiation expands the capabilities of preclinical immuno-oncology testing and offers more direct relevance to translational considerations. The combination of precision radiation delivery and our expertise in imaging and oncology pharmacology enables you to execute complex and powerful study designs.

CT Imaging

We are well positioned to provide you industry-leading, cutting-edge capabilities for your immuno-oncology drug discovery and development programs with high-quality technical execution to deliver decision-enabling datasets.