AsianScientist (Jan. 31 2018) – Founded in 2010 as a spin-off of the National University of Singapore, AYOXXA Biosystems is one of the success stories of Singapore’s Biotech start-up community. It has since grown into a global biotech company headquartered in Cologne, Germany, and it remains focused on the development and commercialization of its proprietary technology for advanced protein analysis, LUNARIS™.
AYOXXA Living Health Technologies Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based subsidiary of AYOXXA, is collaborating closely with the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), the research arm of Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC), to develop and market the LUNARIS™ platform in Asia.
Innovative bead technology for scalable multiplex protein analysis
The LUNARIS™ system combines the advantages of a bead-based multiplexing approach and the reliability and scalability of a plate-based format with the simplicity of image-based analysis. The system comprises a dedicated reader, state-of-the-art analysis software and a growing portfolio of LUNARIS™ multiplex protein assay kits for the detection and quantification of protein biomarkers, such as soluble inflammation and immune-response factors.
Based on an innovative plate design, antibody-coated beads are pre-deposited in spatially separated micro-cavities on the planar LUNARIS™ BioChip. This planar bead-array format allows flexibility in assay content, automated workflows and sample archiving for remote analysis, thus decoupling experimental execution from readout.
Highest quality of data through superior accuracy and data precision
Image-based analysis featuring 100 percent sampling during readout, combined with the planar beads-on-a-chip format, make the LUNARIS™ system very robust and capable of delivering best-in-class data quality.
Unlike other bead-based multiplexing technologies, the LUNARIS™ array format contributes to the avoidance of quenching effects and the reduction of artifacts potentially introduced via bead clumping, thus helping to ensure the best possible accuracy and precision. This exhaustive sampling, combined with a robust plate-based workflow, helps to achieve coefficients of variation (CVs) in the range of 10 percent or better.
Flexibility in scalability and formats
The LUNARIS™ BioChips have been designed as a modular system with formats from 32- to 384-well density and are compatible with semi-automated liquid handling system integration, allowing full scalability for low- to high-throughput applications.
New LUNARIS™ Human 11-Plex Ophthalmology Kit launched
AYOXXA has developed a growing portfolio of standardized disease-related assays, including those for ophthalmology applications. Recently, a new assay—the LUNARIS™ Human 11-Plex Ophthalmology Panel was launched—which includes VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), the target molecule of most standard-of-care treatments for retinal disease.
A comprehensive selection of newly identified angiogenic and inflammatory factors and chemokines found to play significant roles in the pathology of retinal angiogenic diseases (RAD) is also available. All AYOXXA panels developed for use in ophthalmology are validated for multiplex protein analysis using vitreous humor as well as aqueous humor.
Addressing obstacles in ophthalmology: Using small sample volumes from vitreous and aqueous humor
Assessing specific molecular signatures in the context of retinal angiogenic diseases in patients and animal models holds great potential to improve our understanding of onset and progression of these diseases. The ability to do this with precision and reliability is of great utility for clinicians and researchers alike.
LUNARIS™ assays can be performed with sample volumes as low as 3µl—which represents only one-tenth of the volume required by comparable multiplex technologies. This makes it particularly suitable for ophthalmology related applications where only very small volumes of sample material can be drawn from the patients’ eyes. In addition, the high viscosity of matrices such as vitreous humor often impedes the precise quantification of certain biomarkers.
All features of the LUNARIS™ system make it an ideal choice for biomarker analysis in ocular fluids. The system has been validated in numerous international research collaborations and in studies by leading pharmaceutical companies.
Translational science at SERI—from laboratory discoveries to clinical insight
“Our collaboration with SERI, one of the world’s leading centers in ophthalmology today, is extremely important, given our focus on the development of technologies and products that enable translational science in ophthalmology,” said Rodney Turner, CEO of AYOXXA.
“Our long-lasting relationships and close cooperation in multiple projects with clinicians open up new paths to the identification of new biomarker profiles related to specific eye diseases which, once transferred to our multiplex protein analysis platform, might help to develop innovative and novel therapies and to support clinicians in tailored treatment decisions.”
Asian Scientist Magazine is a media partner of AYOXXA Biosystems.
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Copyright: AYOXXA Biosystems; Photo: Shutterstock.
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