BioImage issued US patent - Split-GFP assays enable drug discovery through studying protein:protein interactions
BioImage today announced that the US Patent Office has granted a patent that covers assays employing fusion proteins with GFP fragments (split-GFP) for the detection of protein:protein interactions. The patent, No US 6,780,599, was filed originally by researchers at Yale University and BioImage obtained exclusive rights to the application in 2002.
Traditionally, drug discovery has focused on identifying small molecule drugs that work by inhibiting single protein targets. Currently small molecules that interfere with critical protein:protein intracellular interactions are becoming increasingly important. Split-GFP will accelerate studies in this emerging field of drug discovery.
"BioImage is a world leader in the field of GFP based high content screening. We are delighted to have obtained this patent right which further strengthens our intellectual property portfolio. Protein:protein interactions play a vital role in intracellular translocation, which in turn is a critical event in many pathways including cell signaling. Molecules that modulate these pathways are likely to become the drugs of the future with increased specificity and selectivity. BioImage will continue to enable the discovery of these molecules," said Dr. Patrik Dahlén, CEO of BioImage.
BioImage has developed a set of assays based on split-GFP and is looking to commercialize these via out-licensing. The Company will also use the assays in its internal drug discovery programs.
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