Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) analysis employs electrochemiluminescence detection and multi-array technology to detect analytes in complex biological matrices. The combination of patterned arrays and electrochemiluminescence detection offers highly dense and rapid analysis through miniaturization and parallel processing of study samples. Their product line includes several assays, including MSD cytokine and MSD PK assays.
Besides MSD cytokine multiplex assay and MSD custom assay development, they have a plethora of reagents and plates available for assay development. Therefore, the current article discusses various MSD assay services ranging from biomarker discovery to companion diagnostics.
MSD biomarker analysis in complex samples
Assessing clinical samples with traditional immunoassays such as ELISA is always challenging. Besides complications such as different concentrations of target analytes, limited sample volume, and complex study material such as vaginal fluids and sputum can make the analysis of clinical samples even more difficult. MSD multiplex assays can overcome most of these complications. Although LC-MS method development initiatives have helped analyze multiple samples, the robustness of ligand-binding assays has made them popular among researchers.
MSD multiplex ELISA assays have a broader dynamic range, and therefore biomarkers can be assessed in diseased and control samples without multiple dilutions. They are highly sensitive and can measure several analytes in a single assay volume making multiple biomarkers assessment a possibility. Moreover, their high adaptability means researchers can quantify analytes in complex sample matrices.
Evaluation of toxic effects
Toxicity assessments include evaluating disease-induced or drug-induced changes through potential biomarkers and histochemical endpoints. Each of these indicators provides toxicity data in tissues and organs. Researchers need bioanalytical systems with high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and consistent performance to identify biomarkers specific to organ and tissue toxicity. MSD biomarker assays offer all these features plus multiplexing capacities to save precious samples, time, and resources.
Assessing compound inhibition
Highly selective and potent small molecule compounds are increasingly used in targeted therapy of neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. They are vital for discovering the functions of several cell signaling pathways. MSD assays can evaluate inhibitor characteristics against cell signaling targets.
MSD custom assay
From initial preclinical studies to biomarker discovery and companion diagnostics, MSD analysis is beneficial at every stage of development. Often biomedical research requires assays to study a specific combination of novel analytes. MSD custom assay development offers the alternative of tailoring bioanalytical assays according to research preferences and delivering a protocol for your assay.
Additionally, the prototype printing services offered by MSD are a convenient and rapid way to coat assay plates with the material of your choice. Researchers can coat MSD plates with different capture materials, including proteins, peptides, antibodies, polysaccharides, and carbohydrates.
Assessment of protein therapeutics
Immunogenicity evaluation is crucial for the development of biological drug products. Regulatory agencies have mandatory requirements for the immunogenicity evaluation of biotherapeutics. Stringent regulatory guidance means researchers will need more tolerant and robust assays. MSD assay services have worked with different research communities to fine-tune their assay parameters to meet the ever-increasing need for immunogenicity testing. MSD assay development materials offer superior quality and technology for immunogenicity drug development testing.
Conclusion
MSD multiplex assays have beneficial applications throughout preclinical and clinical studies.
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