An idiotype is a unique antigen-binding site in an antibody and is made up of several epitopes in the variable region. Antibodies raised against the idiotype of a given antibody are called anti-idiotypic antibodies or commonly anti-Ids. These anti-Ids are highly specialized reagents that are produced against human monoclonal antibody …
Connecting diagnostic and drug development expertise around the world: Meet Claudine
As the drug development and diagnostic businesses of Labcorp strengthen their combined capabilities, Claudine Rigal, PharmD, Clinical Biologist, Head of Asia Pacific Laboratory Operations and Global Head of Anatomic Pathology Operations for Labcorp Drug Development, is excited about the opportunity to improve service delivery for biotech and pharma clients. We …
Connecting Expertise to Accelerate Lab Testing Innovations at Labcorp Central Laboratory Services
To help our clients shape the future of healthcare, Central Laboratory Services (CLS) at Labcorp Drug Development is continuously exploring new ways to enhance scientific expertise and anticipate lab testing needs. We recently spoke with Sian Estdale, PhD, Head of Scientific Affairs, Clinical Trial Testing Solutions at Labcorp, to hear …
Progress in treating chronic Kidney Disease patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Kidney Health Initiative develops clinical research recommendations
Throughout the world, kidney disease is far more common than most people realize. It’s not a stretch to call it a “hidden epidemic,” as the number of people living with kidney disease (850 million) is roughly twice that of those living with diabetes.(1) The health issue presented by chronic kidney disease (CKD) …
Exploring new opportunities for biomarkers in immuno-oncology
Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly relying on biomarkers to deliver precision medicine in immuno-oncology. Biomarkers can accelerate drug development and reduce the overall cost; they also allow sponsors to identify failed treatments sooner so that resources are not wasted on expensive, late-stage trials with unsafe or inactive compounds. Finally, these tests …
Target-Mediated Drug Disposition
“Affinity” is defined as, “a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or or something.” This concept applies also to the biologics (large molecules) we help to develop. Drugs like monoclonal antibodies (mAb) or bispecific antibodies are ideal drug candidates since they have very high affinity to bind to their target …
PK/PD Modeling and Simulation – A Brief Overview and Upcoming Blog Series
The year I graduated from college was the same year an old family friend was retiring. He had spent the majority of his career designing and deploying farm equipment across the United States. When I asked for advice as I entered the workforce he told me a story. Three months …
Finding the Other 90%: Attracting Naïve Patients to RA Studies
A recent study by Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development, based on a survey of 2,000 physicians and nurses primarily in the United States and Europe, found that 91% of physicians feel ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ comfortable discussing the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial with patients, but …
Phase I cGMP Drug Manufacture at the CRU: 3 BIG Benefits
Using a cGMP pharmacy at your CRU for Phase I drug manufacturing yields benefits in quality and safety, timeline reduction and cost efficiency. The regulatory environment continues to move toward requiring drug manufacturing at current good manufacturing practice (cGMP)-compliant pharmacies. This trend and other factors make it increasingly attractive to …
The Biosimilars Landscape: What All Developers Need to Know
As biosimilars to treat rheumatic diseases begin get approval from the FDA, biosimilar development remains a hot topic in drug development. Sponsors estimate a 35% growth of biosimilars in their development pipelines by 2020, but face a wide variety of regional and global markets along with shifting guidelines and recommendations, …