Pharmaceutical,
biotechnology and drug discovery companies
are increasingly turning their attention to cell-based assays, as these assays offer a
more accurate representation of the real-life cell model than the traditional enzyme- or
antibody-based assays. This surge in demand is caused not only by the greater accuracy
provided by the use of live cells, but also because cell-based assays offer the possibility
of a dynamic experiment through monitoring of the numbers or behaviour of the live cells.
"Large multinational companies are seeking to perform screens in cell-based systems because
they ensure precise whole cell data representative of the physiological condition," says
Dr. Amarpreet Dhiman, Research Analyst from
Frost & Sullivan.
"Cell-based assays are expected to expand in use, especially in lead evaluation and optimisation
and pre-clinical evaluation."
As high throughput screening (HTS) processes, using cell-based assays, are more complicated
than those using conventional assays, they will require sophisticated solutions. Assay
manufacturers are focusing on developing easy-to-use and highly sensitive assays that provide
continuous record of cellular activity.
Scientists developing cell-based assays have to stay abreast of the latest technological
advancements and assay methodologies to meet the constant challenges of cell-based screening
in drug discovery. In fact, the implementation of entirely new classes of potential drug
targets in several drug discovery operations is propelling many cell-based activities.
Successful screening of the new targets often requires the use of cells and various assay
kits to detect specific cellular pathways. Insights from these information-rich assays
could help more efficient discovery of effective drugs, thus saving considerable time and
costs as well as reducing the need for secondary screens in future.
"These cell-based assay kits also need comprehensive safety testing, especially for the
myocardial hERG K + channel," notes Dr. Dhiman. "Since it is the target responsible for
the cardiotoxicity of many drugs, it should be screened early in the drug discovery process."
It is also important to integrate
robotics into assay development to achieve high screening
rates, which will, in turn, reduce time-consuming and costly manual interventions.
The USD 143 million European cell-based assays market is expected to benefit most from
the
fluorescence assays segment, which is expected to contribute more than USD 75 million
in revenue in 2004. The estimated total growth rate of 19 per cent in 2004 is anticipated
to increase simultaneously with expansion of the HTS industry.
The primary growth drivers are drug discovery leads, optimisation that enables access to
new target groups, early failure that reduces costs due to false leads and acquisition
of customised assay kits and
reagents.