Absorption Systems, a leader in novel test systems for drug transporters, has entered into a licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc., in which Pfizer will in-license Absorption Systems' BCRP-MDCK cells. This cell line is stably transfected with the human ABCG2 gene, which codes for a protein known as BCRP (breast cancer resistance protein).

This proprietary human BCRP assay system is designed to enable the testing of new drug candidates for interactions with the BCRP protein, which is involved in drug clearance, blood-brain barrier penetration, resistance of tumours to anticancer drugs, and drug-drug interactions. As a result of BCRP interactions, compounds that show promising efficacy in vitro may be inaccessible to the organ of interest during clinical trials.

"We believe that, because of their robust expression of the BCRP protein, BCRP-MDCK cells can allow users to better predict human outcomes during preclinical testing of their drug candidates, thereby having the potential to reduce attrition during drug development," said Ismael J Hidalgo, Ph.D., CSO, Absorption Systems.

Absorption Systems assists pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies in identifying and overcoming absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) barriers in the development of drugs, biologics, and medical devices.