Joint Discovery Program in Kinases

A collaborative research agreement involving kinases has been announced by Serono S.A. (Geneva, Switzerland) and Cellular Genomics, Inc. (CGI, Branford, CT, USA). CGI will apply it chemical genetics technologies to four undisclosed target kinases selected by Serono.

The basis of CGI's approach is the replacement of a normal kinase with a modified kinase or ASKA (analogue sensitive kinase allele). The modified kinase can be inhibited with high selectivity and specificity by a specially designed inhibitor that enables researchers to quickly understand the pharmacologic consequences of inhibiting a chosen kinase. CGI will use its ASKA technology to produce the modified kinases for Serono. Also, CGI will use its P-target technology for indepth mapping of clinically important kinase signaling pathways of interest to Serono.

Serono has an established kinase discovery program with several molecules in preclinical research for multiple sclerosis, central nervous system disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and ischemic and inflammatory disorders.

"Kinases are an important family of targets in Serono's small molecule drug discovery programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases,” said Silvano Fumero, senior executive vice president for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.




Related Links:
Serono
Cellular Genomics