Biomarker Discovery Sciences

PPD's biomarker discovery sciences are focused on the discovery of novel biomarkers for use in drug development. By capturing, integrating and analyzing large amounts of biological data at the level of the cell, protein, peptide and low molecular weight biomolecules, we are able to identify useful biological markers and create a better understanding of disease and therapeutic response. We deliver biomarker discoveries on a fee-for-service basis, while our clients retain intellectual property rights.

A biomarker is a characteristic of normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention. Recent technological advances enable discovery-based screening of thousands of analytes to find those biomarkers that change in response to a drug or disease. Biomarkers can be identified, validated and used throughout the drug development process to help get medicines into the system faster.

PPD's technologies include:

Proteomics, peptidomics & metabolomics by high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Cytometry provides comprehensive cellular phenotyping on a patented microvolume laser scanning cytometry platform

Biomarkers can accelerate critical path decisions in compound development by providing information to:

Characterize, select, and advance lead compounds
Validate targets
Evaluate toxicity
Bridge from preclinical to clinical

Biomarkers can accelerate critical path decisions in product development by providing information to:

Identify pharmacodynamic endpoints
Select appropriate dosing
Monitor disease progression
Monitor response to therapy
Select and stratify patient populations
Monitor safety and efficacy
Support registration
Provide information to develop a surrogate endpoint

Biomarkers can accelerate critical path decisions following product launch by providing information to:

Differentiate your product
Select and stratify patient populations
Identify new indications
Help develop or select new formulations
Provide a diagnostic or theranostic test

PPD's biomarker discovery sciences laboratory in Menlo Park, Calif. is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to carry out comprehensive differential phenotyping from a variety of biological samples. PPD analyzes samples in this laboratory under established standard operating procedures designed to ensure sample accountability and data integrity.

After discovery, PPD's bioanalytical laboratories in Richmond, Va. and Middleton, Wis., offer biomarker measurement services with GLP validated methods (Adobe Acrobat file, 258 Kb).