The Van Andel Research Institute an independent medical research facility known for its research into the genetic and molecular origins of cancer and other diseases and Emiliem, Inc. a private biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of molecularly-targeted oncology drugs and their companion biomarkers, announce the signing of an agreement where Van Andel and Emiliem will work together to translate Emiliem's discoveries into therapies to conquer cancer and enhance lives. Financial details of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed.

"The Van Andel Research Institute has gained worldwide recognition for research in cancer and the discovery and implementation of biomarker strategies for therapeutics. Implementing a translational medicine approach right from the beginning of our research will help us to define a rational biomarker strategy for each drug candidate and to extend this into early targeted therapy clinical trials" said Dale E. Johnson, Pharm.D., PhD., president and CEO of Emiliem. "Validating the response of specific cancers from patient-derived samples should lead to a rational process where we can conduct clinical trials in patients most likely to respond to specific multi-kinase inhibitors."

"We are very excited about the innovative and streamlined approach that Emiliem takes to drug discovery, as well as the current and future drugs in their pipeline" said Craig Webb, Ph.D., director of the programme of Translational Medicine at VAI. "Based upon the various drugs targeted mechanisms of action, we plan to evaluate their efficacy in conjunction with the development of a biomarker strategy that can lead to their optimal use in patients"