VTT starts to investigate Bayer Schering Pharma’s preclinical anti-cancer compounds

26-Aug-2009 - Finland

The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany have signed a two-year research contract to study the mode of action of a Bayer Schering Pharma’s preclinical cancer drugs. As part of this contract, VTT will use its new gene and cancer biology methods such as the 3D-cell culture model developed at VTT’s Medical biotechnology unit in Turku, Finland.

In the research, VTT will utilise newly developed 3D cancer cell culturing model that enables the study of the cells in an environment that better resembles the conditions in the human body as compared to the conventional 2D cell culture models. The model also allows for improved analyses on the invasive and metastatic behaviour of cancer cells. Through this methodology, VTT scientists can better predict the drug’s efficacy and investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of small compounds.

“Over the past five years, we have invested heavily in R&D and we have become leading specialists in the field of molecular cancer research. Our work and technologies have greatly benefited clients and this has now translated into major new business assignments,” says the project leader Dr. Marko Kallio, VTT’s Senior Research Scientist. Through these actions, VTT aims to increase its impact on the international pharmaceutical sector.

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