Cenix will initially focus on finding and validating oncology targets as well as developing a related RNAi dataset.
Cenix BioScience will help AstraZeneca advance discovery activities and validate drug targets. Cenix will combine high-throughput (HT) applications of RNAi-based gene silencing with high-content phenotypic analyses in cultured human cells.
The initial project will involve an HT-RNAi screen using an assay strategy codesigned with AstraZeneca to discover and validate oncology targets. Cenix will use Definiens’ Cellenger image-analysis platform to implement multiparametric microscopy-based assays. The company reports that this will lead to insights into cellular functions and loss-of-function phenotypes of analyzed genes.
Cenix hopes to expand the collaboration beyond oncology into multiple projects, says Christophe Echeverri, CEO and CSO.