Epistem plc, the UK biotechnology and personalised medicine company, has signed the three year biomarker collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in the field of fibrosis research. The collaboration will focus on identifying key characteristics of diseased fibrotic tissue on which Epistem will apply its proprietary RNA-Amp technology to facilitate building an in depth understanding of the disease.

RNA-Amp is highly sensitive amplification technology which is able to provide gene expression information from small tissue samples and low of numbers of cells e.g. those obtained from the bulb of cells at the base of a single hair follicle, as well as laser captured microdissected (LCM) samples.  Epistem is now the preferred partner of choice for a range of pharmaceutical companies providing gene expression biomarker information to support drug development programmes.

In addition to its amplification technology, Epistem brings its well respected cell and molecular biology expertise to the collaboration. Epistem’s broad platform allows protein and gene expression biomarkers to be identified in important disease pathways at an early stage of pre-clinical validation for translation through to later stage clinical validation and patient stratification.   

Epistem is commercialising its expertise in stem cells in the areas of epithelial (oncology, gastrointestinal and dermatological) and infectious diseases. Epistem develops innovative therapeutics, biomarkers and diagnostics (Genedrive) alongside contract research services to drug development companies.