International Life Sciences Awards 2017

28 GHP / International Life Sciences Awards 2017 , Mediomics was founded in 2001, and is located in St. Louis, Missouri. The firm’s clients include scientists in research institutions and pharmaceutical companies across the globe. Its cost-effective, uniquely simple, and widely adaptable technologies quantify biologically and therapeutically important macromolecules, including DNA, biomarkers, hormones, antibodies, intracellular signalling molecules, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Mediomics is ISO 9001:2008 certified, and operates from its own facility equipped with state-of-the-art research and production equipment. Dr. Yie-Hwa Chang is the founder and President of the company. He received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and his postdoctoral training from Harvard Medical School. He also completed the Bio-Executive Program at the University of California, Berkeley. Margaret tells us the firm’s specific focus. “Currently, Mediomics is focusing on developing innovative, rapid and cost effective methods as well as high affinity engineered recombinant antibodies and aptamers for quick detection of macromolecules and pathogens for research-use and disease prevention.” It is important when working within the life sciences industry for firms to differentiate Most Innovative Biosensor Provider 2017 & Best DNA-Binding Protein Assay Platform: Bridge- It ® Mediomics, LLC develops innovative assay kits, high affinity reagents (aptamers and scFvs), and biosensors for clients across the globe.We invitedMargaretMeng, the Chief Administrative Officer, to speakmore about the company and its products, helping us to find out why it is so successful. themselves from other similar firms. Margaret discusses how Mediomics does this as well as listing some of the services the firm provides, specific to life sciences. “Today, researchers, doctors, and corporations seeking to quantify important molecules usually rely on ELISA-based technologies. These immunoassays, while reliable, are complex, multi-step, and costly. Mediomics offers a series of simple mix-and- measure assays with comparable sensitivity and range at a fraction of the cost. We are now leveraging these proprietary technologies to rapidly develop and commercialize homogenous bioassays and biosensors. Our aim is to set the new standard, and become the leading provider of homogeneous bioassay kits for drug discovery, proteomics research, and biosensors for monitoring human and animal health, disease, and agriculture products.” There are always developments and major changes in life sciences and as such, to succeed in such a vital sector, certain techniques must be employed to ensure that the company and its staff always offer the very best service. Margaret explains the firm’s patented technology platforms, which help it to provide only the best service to clients. “Mediomics has two core patented technology platforms: the Bridge-It® DNA-binding protein assay kits, and the PINCER® platform technology. Our current Bridge-It® product line includes unique homogeneous assays for cAMP, Phosphodiesterase, L-Tryptophan, S-Adenosyl Methionine and L-Methionine. The PINCER® product line (launched in 2012) includes assays for insulin, C-peptide, C-reactive protein, albumin, biotin, IgG, IgM, and E coli O157:H7. Major customers for these kits include academic research institutions (e.g., Harvard University, Mayo Clinic, University of Alberta, University of Cincinnati, and Washington University in St. Louis) and major pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Pfizer, Gilead, Roche, Merck, and Amgen).” Figure 1. This figure illustrates the principle behind Mediomics’ Bridge-It® technology. A DNA duplex containing the sequence-specific DNA binding site for a given target DNA-binding protein is split into two DNA “half-site” duplexes, each having a short single-stranded overhang. When the activated target protein is present, its high affinity for the full-length DNA sequence will drive the re-association of the two half-site DNA duplexes, resulting in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, in the absence of the activated target protein, little re-association will occur. LI170023