The drug discovery partner firm said it bought extra equipment to expand its proteomic analysis capabilities. Mass spectrometers, ultra-HPLC systems with specialised detectors and microscale thermophoresis measurement devices will allow biosimilar product characterisation “currently of high interest to many biotechnology companies,” it said.
The US FDA approved the country’s first biosimilar two weeks ago.
Selvita’s protein chemistry services now include:
- determining intact mass of proteins including large proteins,
- analysis of post-translational modifications,
- determination of protein oligomeric state (quaternary structure) and aggregation,
- protein conformation stability tests, and
- Using biophysical methods to determine parameters of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions.
The company already offers analysis, production and purification of recombinant proteins. Offerings include protein assays, PAGE patterns, LC services, N-terminal protein sequencing, amino acid analyses, CD spectra analyses and the crystallographic studies. Its labs have GLP and GMP certification.
“Being aware of the importance of the protein targets at every step of the preclinical drug discovery process, we place a great emphasis on the quality of our protein products. The highest purity and biological activity of the proteins, which we deliver to our customers, are our major objective and concern,” said Dr Justyna Stec-Niemczyk, head of the protein chemistry laboratory.
As well as contract services, the company has its own oncology pipeline.
The Krakow-based company employs 225 scientists and is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. It has offices near Boston.