ImaginAb & Duke-NUS Open Imaging Biomarker Development Lab

The US$12 million collaboration between ImaginAb and Duke-NUS focuses on developing biomarkers for the study of diseases such as cancer and immune dysregulation.

AsianScientist (Jun 5, 2014) – ImaginAb, Inc. and Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore (Duke-NUS) have opened a joint corporate laboratory to develop new in vivo molecular imaging agents with an Asian disease-centric focus.

The parties have previously announced the establishment of protein engineering and molecular imaging capabilities designed to interface with Duke-NUS’s “Signature Research Programs” (SRPs) in cancer & stem cell biology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neuroscience and immunology. These new capabilities will also be used to support ImaginAb’s internal R&D activities and serve as a focal point for several of ImaginAb’s key collaborations in cancer and immunology.

Termed the “Imaging Biomarker Development Lab” (IBDL), the joint laboratory is the latest initiative under the National Research Foundation (NRF) Corp Lab @ University scheme. The IBDL program represents a S$15 million (~US$12 million) commitment between ImaginAb, Duke-NUS and the NRF. The laboratory is accessible to industry and academic collaborators with the objective of developing precision medicine strategies for healthcare.

“We are pleased to have this new capability on-line and to have recruited the initial team that will launch this exciting new translational research opportunity,” noted Prof. Patrick Casey, Senior Vice Dean (Research) of Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School. “It is particularly important that, in addition to our collaborations with ImaginAb and internal use of the facility, we send a message to our academic and industry collaborators that this capability is available,” he added.

The IBDL will incorporate several specialty core facilities designed to operate in an integrated fashion with Duke-NUS’ existing research services. In addition, the IBDL will feature a state-of-the-art molecular imaging facility, operating within Duke-NUS’s specific pathogen-free (SPF) space, an invaluable resource for immunology-based research.

Mr. Philip Yeo, Chairman of SPRING, commented: “Part of building an effective biomedical ecosystem in Singapore is not just the engagement of global pharmaceutical companies and best-in-class researchers, but the high-growth and high-innovation segments of industry. Singapore has the potential to be a leading “hot spot” in life sciences and biotechnology but this will only happen if we are also able to recruit – and ultimately develop – high-growth firms that can harness Singapore’s entrepreneurial mindset.”

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Source: Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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