Oncotest GmbH and Debiopharm Group (Debiopharm) a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group, have successfully completed the first biomarker projects. In a recent study, pharmacological data was generated with Debiopharm's investigational compound in Oncotest's 3D assay system for patient-derived xenografts and correlated with the extensive Oncotest's genomic and transcriptomic data. The collaboration resulted in the identification of several predictive biomarkers candidates including a gene signature.

"We are enthusiastic to work with Debiopharm on these projects and are looking forward to continue and expand our collaboration. I am convinced that the concept of deriving predictive biomarkers for new drugs already in a preclinical setting will make an impact. Ultimately, it has a significant potential to lower the attrition rates in clinical trials. Today, with our new biomarker department and the characterization data available for our tumour models, Oncotest is ideally positioned in this area." said Prof Heiner Fiebig, Founder and CEO of Oncotest.

Dr Hiroaki Tanaka, Personalized Medicine Director at Debiopharm added: "Reliable preclinical models are key success factors in drug development. We believe that technologies based on the direct use of patient tumours have a game-changer potential in translational research in oncology. We are happy to collaborate with Oncotest, a pioneer and a leader in the area, and we are looking forward to extending our partnership even further towards the achievement of personalized medicine."

Oncotest is a CRO dedicated to the preclinical profiling of novel anti-cancer molecules, facilitating the optimal planning of clinical trials. Promising indications, novel combinations of anti-cancer molecules and potential biomarkers are identified using a combination of in vitro and in vivo tests with Oncotest's extensively characterized collection of more than 400 unique patient-derived tumour xenografts (PDX) propagated in nude mice. PDX are known to replicate patient tumor responses to anti-cancer drugs to a high degree. Ex vivo 3D assays are an important component of Oncotest's assay portfolio and standard panels of up to 200 PDX are offered for 3D assay campaigns. Clients benefit from Oncotest's industry leading experience.

Oncotest, based in Freiburg, Germany, was founded in 1993 by Prof. Heiner Fiebig, a clinical oncologist who pioneered the use of PDX for anti-cancer drug discovery and development. The company is focused on preclinical pharmacology of anti-cancer agents and works with large pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Debiopharm Group (Debiopharm) is a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group of companies with a focus on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs.