Bath

Researchers from the UK’s University of Bath have developed a new biochip device, which will enable the discovery new life-saving drugs more quickly and cost-effectively.

The PhosphoSense technology is being used to screen compounds for use in drugs and it has created a new way to detect the activity of enzymes known as kinases.

Kinases regulate multiple biological processes in normal healthy human cells that are required for survival, and will cause life-threatening diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s and diabetes, when these become over-active or disregulated.

The new PhosphoSense biochip will help pharmaceutical firms to simultaneously measure a large number of compounds and select what can be developed into drugs to battle against diseases.

"This technology has the potential to change the drug discovery process as we know it and facilitate the development of new drugs for diseases such as cancer and dementia, as well as strokes."

It has been developed by a researcher team that includes Dr Pedro Estrela, Nikhil Bhalla, Dr Mirella Di Lorenzo and Dr Giordano Pula.

University of Bath Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology lecturer Dr Giordano Pula said: "This technology has the potential to change the drug discovery process as we know it and facilitate the development of new drugs for diseases like cancer, stroke and dementia.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"The simplicity is the strength of this technology. This discovery significantly simplifies the analysis of protein kinase activity and frees it from the use of radioisotopes or antibodies."

"The free-flow of information between departments at the University of Bath promoted this collaboration and the work leading to this discovery, which was a truly interdisciplinary endeavour."

The research team is currently planning to collaborate with industrial partners to develop the system to a prototype, which can be used by the pharmaceutical industry.


Image: University of Bath researchers have developed a new biochip device for life-saving drug discoveries. Photo: courtesy of University of Bath.