Siena Biotech is a product-focused company with the necessary integrated technology platforms to progress our projects from early-stage discovery to clinical proof of concept. These include:

Target identification and validation

A number of proteomics technologies are employed to support target identification and validation as well as the characterization (molecular target identification and mechanism of action studies) of compounds associated with various Portfolio projects. Protein identification and analysis technologies including target deconvolution approaches (2-D/DIGE, Mass Spectrometry, affinity purification), are employed to enable the identification of protein targets associated with disease- or compound-associated phenotypes, while protein production facilities allow the production and purification of proteins for structural and functional studies.

In silico technologies

A comprehensive bioinformatics platform supports experimental studies aiming at the identification and validation of molecular targets, the elucidation of the mechanism of action of Portfolio compounds and biomarkers identification through the analysis of proteomics and transcriptomics data originated within portfolio projects. Knowledge management and in silico screening approaches, such as HT structure and ligand-based screening approaches, computational structural biology and 3DQSAR, aid hit identification and expedite lead to candidate optimization.

In vitro pharmacology

Automated screening platforms allow extensive pharmacological characterisation in biochemical and cell-based assays. From the initial medium-throughput screening campaign to structure-activity relationship optimisation, Siena Biotech projects are supported with information-rich data generated mainly through phenotypic and reporter assays in disease-relevant cellular systems.

FACS center

Plate-based FACS assays are used to perform medium throughput multiparametric analyses on cell populations upon compound administration. FACS sorting allows the isolation of specific cell populations of interest e.g. target transfected cells to accelerate assay development for screening, cell subpopulation isolation based on membrane marker expression.

In vitro ADME

Automated plate-based ADME assays in conjunction with high-capacity LC-MS are run in parallel with in vitro pharmacology assays to guide the optimisation of molecules for potency and developability properties through the Discovery phases.

Chemistry

Siena Biotech chemistry manages all aspects of compound design, synthesis, analysis and sample logistics for our discovery projects. As projects move into preclinical development, vessels up to 20L can be used to supply the initial non-GMP tox batches, with subsequent GMP API supply being carried out at external partners with Siena Biotech project management.

In vivo pharmacology & imaging

An extensive imaging platform, including both in vitro (HCS, confocal microscopy, time lapse imaging) as well as in vivo (MRI, OI) imaging modalities allows full characterisation of our molecules in the tissue of interest in multiparametric fashion. MRi and OI permit anatomical and functional kinetic follow up of compound efficacy in animals.

Development

With a focus to bring compounds at least to clinical proof-of-concept, the Development effort is fully equipped to progress Candidate drugs through exploratory and formal preclinical studies and Phase I Clinical studies in healthy volunteers or patients. At later stages, a virtual development model ensures full control over operations across disciplines. A Quality Management System ensures adherence to all applicable GxP regulations.