UCB will apply Tiquas to its antibodies and to search for biomarkers.

UCB will employ Activiomics’ Tiquas (targeted in-depth quantification of cell signaling)  phosphoproteomics platform to elucidate signaling mechanisms of its therapeutic antibodies. Tiquas quantifies global kinase activity without the need for labeling or antibody isolation. It profiles and cross-compares phosphopeptides, ensuring accurate and reproducible data, Activiomics points out.

The technology works by using a protease to break down a cell or tissue extract into peptide fragments. Phosphopeptide enrichment, mass spectrometry, and Tiquas software allow thousands of phosphopeptides to be quantified, the firm adds.

“We have engaged with Activiomics because we recognize that their Tiquas technology has advantages for our inflammatory program over other methods available,” says Simon Lamb, project leader at UCB. “It is quantitative, label free, and applicable to cell and tissue samples. This technology will enable us to better understand cell signaling mechanisms of our therapeutic antibodies and could enable us to identify important biomarkers.”

UCB is developing antibodies and small molecules to treat a range of autoimmune diseases including Crohn disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The company is targeting molecules that regulate the immune system’s inappropriate response to the environmental or intrinsic factors that trigger inflammatory disease.

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