Inspired by science and technology

we develop modern tools for POCT medical diagnostics

ABOUT US

Biosens Labs is an innovative biotechnology company working on breakthrough solutions enabling fast mobile diagnostics in non-laboratory conditions and supporting pharmaceutical companies in a drug discovery process

Our vision is to provide different institutions (GP offices, communication hubs, workplaces) and patients with simple yet powerful genetic and immuno assays working in handheld POCT device unit assisted by smartphone applications.

We develop novel solution-based no-wash one-pot genetic and immuno assays for use in POCT as well as for diagnostic or pharmaceutical laboratory settings. The assays testing infectious and civilization diseases by probing genetic material and biochemical markers as well as methods testing biomolecular interactions. We are also working on portable and inexpensive dual POCT analyzer capable of reading both genetic and immunoassays results.

Our mission is to promote and provide portable medical diagnostics for quick and flexible response in epidemic conditions but also to help fighting civilization diseases. Based on our assay development expertise, we also support drug discovery and preclinical drug development.

TEAM

POCT

POCT (Point-Of-Care-Testing) is defined as medical diagnostic testing at the time and place of patient care. The main task of POCT is to shorten the waiting time for the result, provide quick and accurate tests to paramedical staff or patients for home self-monitoring of many diseases and conditions.

POCT diagnostics is based on several biological methods and technical tools integrated into a variety of tests, ranging from single-use disposable tests (e.g., rapid immunochromatographic antigen tests, popular pregnancy tests and others), through small handheld devices – pocket-size analyzers (e.g., blood glucose meter – glucose analyzer/ monitor), ending with larger bench-top but transportable devices connected to electrical sockets (e.g., PCR based on single-use cartridges).

General practitioners (GPs) or physicians specifically want POCTs to help them diagnose acute conditions, such as virus or bacteria pathogen infections, human inflammation biomarkers, acute cardiac disease biomarkers, blood clotting biomarkers, but also chronic and genetic diseases providing POCT tests are accurate

TECHNOLOGY

At BioSens Labs (BSL) we take novel approach to genetic and immuno assay tests. Generally, immunotesting in laboratory requires time-consuming multiple-wash procedures (e.g., heterogeneous ELISA assay) performed by qualified personnel followed by signal readout by relatively simple optical devices. While laboratory genetic testing based on traditional PCR reaction requires qualified personnel and bulky thermal cycler instrument controlling precise temperature changes during reaction.

At BSL we develop novel one-pot no-wash genetic and immuno assays for readout by everyone in simple optical device in non-laboratory settings. The homogeneous solution-based assays with novel simplified detection systems for use in POCT devices but also intended as stand-alone assays for diagnostic laboratories or pharmaceutical companies. This includes molecular diagnostics testing (DNA or RNA detection) achieved through use of isothermal PCR reaction run at constant temperature and immunochemical testing (detection of biomarkers or antigens) centered on homogeneous bead-based assays using various nanomaterials. In parallel to our efforts on POCT assays development we are also working on portable and inexpensive dual POCT optical analyzer capable of reading resulted signals from our genetic and immuno assays.

CONTRACT RESEARCH

BSL molecular drug discovery services

BSL offers molecular drug discovery services including medium-throughput screening and detailed drug-target interaction studies. This includes hit finding through 1 or 2 point-screening and performing structure activity relationships (SAR) through IC₅₀ activity tests, as well as determination of equilibrium (K_D, K_I), thermodynamic (∆G, ∆H, ∆S) and kinetic parameters (k_on, k_off) for selected drug-target interactions.

We perform spectroscopic enzyme assays using fluorogenic and chromogenic substrates as well as various chemical and enzymatic systems quantifying substrate-to-product conversion. In terms of drug screening, besides enzymatic tests, we also use homogenous bead-based AlphaScreen assay suitable for the study of a wide spectrum of therapeutic targets, e.g., protein-protein interactions. In addition to screening with indirect assays (3 molecular partners), we also perform direct biophysical assays (2 molecular partners) providing unique insight into drug-target interactions in terms of actual binding affinity, thermodynamics, and kinetics. This includes MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) and BioLayer Interferometry (BLI) biophysical techniques.

Assay development and conduct of biochemical and biophysical tests

Therapeutic targets: enzymes, protein-protein interactions (PPI), protein-sugar, protein-small molecule compound, protein-DNA/RNA, DNA, RNA
AlphaScreen – Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogenous Assay Screen; screening and IC₅₀ measurements of competitive inhibitors (microplate assays)
Biological Layer Interferometry (BLI) – a technology for measuring biomolecular interactions on the surface; measurements of K_D affinity, and kinetic constants k_on, k_off (single tests)
MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) – a technology for measuring biomolecular interactions in the solution; measurements of K_D affinity, and thermodynamic constants ∆G, ∆H and ∆S (single tests)
Enzymatic assays based on absorption, fluorescence, luminescence, fluorescence, FRET readouts; screening and IC₅₀, Ki, measurements of inhibitors (microplate assays)
Enzymatic kinetics, determination of enzyme inhibition models and reversibility of inhibitors
Bioconjugation chemistry, conjugation of proteins, enzymes or antibodies with labels or drugs (labelling, purification and activity conformation of labelled molecules)

Functional cell-based assays

BiosensLabs offers a wide spectrum of functional cell-based assays in drug discovery, including cytotoxicity, proliferation, metabolic or bioenergetic assays. Our scientists are also keen on helping you to plan, design as well as perform experiments aiming for the understanding of drug candidate mechanism of action (MoA) on both intra- and extra-cellular level. Accordingly, we are able to prepare primary cultures from donor tissues.

To reach these goals, we offer flow cytometry-, protein complementation-, reporter genes- (fluorometric and luminescent techniques), fluorescence microscopy- and Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) -based assays.

Mechanisms of drug induced cytotoxicity (necrosis, apoptosis, senescence, autophagy)
Cell cycle and proliferation rate profiling
Determination of cell viability, activity of intracellular signalling pathways (i.e. p53, NF-kB, MAPK activity), compartment-specific calcium and free-radicals signalling, ADME, oxidative stress, Histone Deacetylase or Methyltransferase activities
Quantification of cellular energy metabolism: ATP, NAD/NADH, NADP/NADPH, glicerol, triglyceride, cholesterol or cholesterol esters, glucose, glutamate, gluatamine, glutathione, lactate or glucose uptake
Profiling of selected protein and mRNA levels
Investigation of biological activity, biochemical mechanisms, off-target interactions of drug candidates
Effect of drug compounds on multiple cell phenotypes
Effect of drug compounds on protein-protein interactions
Effects of drug compounds on mitochondrial function: mitochondrial energy metabolism using high resolution respirometry, cellular respiration based determination of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis activities, measurements of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial ROS levels, activity of the respiratory chain complexes, mitochondrial DNA genetics and intra-mitochondrial calcium levels. Generation of mitochondrial DNA deprived cells (Rho 0 cells)
Isolation, cultivation, characterisation and expansion of primary cultures from donor tissues

Preclinical studies in animal models

At Biosens Labs, we take pride in our expertise in offering a range of PK/PD services specifically designed to support your drug development programs. With a focus on precision and innovation, we are your trusted partner in optimizing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of your experimental compounds.

What you can expect?

In Vivo Excellence: Our team is skilled in conducting in vivo studies in mice and rats, utilizing the most advanced techniques and technologies.

Dosing Precision: We offer precise dosing and administration methods, including various routes such as oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous, tailored to your study needs.

Bioanalytical analysis: Our state-of-the-art bioanalytical methods ensure accurate quantification of drug concentrations in various biological samples.

Pharmacokinetic Insights: We provide in-depth pharmacokinetic assessments, delving into absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) properties in rodent models.

Pharmacodynamic Insights: Our team excels in evaluating drug effects, dose-response relationships, and time-course analyses, uncovering critical insights into your compound’s mechanisms of action.

Dose Optimization: Trust us to assist in dose selection and optimization, ensuring efficacy and safety based on PK/PD data.

Metabolite Profiling: Our collaborating experts identify and quantify drug metabolites, revealing their activities within rodents.

Data reporting: We provide comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, including PK/PD modeling and clear, concise reporting of study findings.

Customized Solutions: Our commitment to your success means tailoring study designs to precisely meet the unique needs of your drug development program.

Timely Deliveries: We are committed to delivering study results within agreed-upon timelines, supporting your efficient drug development efforts. Notice that before experiment start Local Ethic Committee permission is needed.

At Biosens Labs our expertise is your advantage. Contact us today to learn how we can tailor our PK/PD services to drive success in your drug development endeavors. Your path to effective and safe drug candidates begins here.

Pre-clinical evaluation of drug therapeutic efficacy in animal models of cancer and respiratory diseases.

Our Expertise

Wide range of models – we offer an array of well-characterized murine tumour models, including syngeneic and xenograft models to mimic various aspects of cancer progression as well as a wide selection of models dedicated for studying anti-inflammatory agents (systemic inflammation, colitis, airway inflammation and allergy, lung fibrosis and others)

Personalized study design – our experts work closely with you to tailor study designs that match your research goals, ensuring the most relevant and informative results

Tumour imaging – utilizing state-of-the-art imaging techniques, we provide accurate and real-time monitoring of tumour growth, response to treatment or metastatic spread.

Immunotherapy evaluation – our models are particularly suitable for assessing the efficacy of immunotherapies, enabling you to explore the interaction between your treatments and the immune system.

Our Services

Efficacy Studies: Evaluate the effectiveness of your therapeutic candidates in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis or anti-inflammatory activity using our diverse panel of in vivo models.

For a detailed overview of available experimental models, please refer to the following categories:

Syngeneic tumour models: CT26 colorectal carcinoma, Lewis lung carcinoma, B16F10 melanoma, 4T1 mammary carcinoma, E0771 mammary carcinoma, Renca kidney carcinoma and others

Xenograft tumour models: K562 CML, MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma, U87 glioblastoma, A549 lung carcinoma, PC-3 prostate carcinoma, HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma and others

Inflammatory models: LPS-induced systemic inflammation, HDM-induced allergic asthma, DSS-induced colitis, bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis)

Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD): Gain insights into the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of your compounds in healthy or tumor-bearing mice.

Combination Therapy Studies: Investigate the synergistic effects of combining your candidate therapies with standard treatments or other experimental compounds.

Biomarker Analysis: Assess potential biomarkers associated with treatment response or disease progression.

In vivo models offered:

Model 1: CT26 (Colon Cancer)

Assessing the Anti-tumor Activity in the Mouse CT26 Model of Colorectal Carcinoma

Cell line, origin	CT26 cell line derived from BALB/c mice
Disease model	Colon cancer
Model type	Syngeneic, subcutaneous tumours (full immune system maintained)
Mouse strain	BALB/c
Duration	Rapid tumor growth (7-10 days for palpable tumors, total 20-25 days to humane endpoint)
Routs of test item administration	Test items administered via oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, or intravenous infusion
Readouts	Monitoring of body weight fluctuations, assessment of tumor growth kinetics, pseudosurvival analysis (based on time to humane endpoint), and others
Reference compounds or combinations	Immune checkpoint inhibitors: Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, and others Chemotherapeutics: gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, 5-FU, and others
Potential study variations	Exploration of immune-dependent mechanisms of action through cell depletion models, such as CD8+ T lymphocyte depletion. This variation allows for in-depth investigation into the role of specific immune cell subsets in treatment response.

Model 2: Asthma

Proof of concept studies for early drug development:

Therapeutic efficacy of proprietary compounds in pulmonary inflammation models in vivo

Allergy inducer	House dust mite (HDM)
Disease model	Asthma, allergic pulmonary inflammation
Model type	Acute, chronic
Mouse strain	C57BL/6
Duration	Acute (multiple schemes, from 10 to 19 days) Chronic (5-7 weeks)
Routs of test item administration	Test items administered via oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, or intravenous infusion
Readouts	Monitoring of body weight fluctuations after drug administration, assessment of pulmonary inflammation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lungs by flow cytometry (numbers of eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, T cells), assessment of relevant pulmonary inflammation markers such as: IL-4, IL-13, total IgE and HDM-specific IgG production
Reference compounds or combinations	Dexamethasone (1-10 mg/kg), Montelukast (10-50 mg/kg)
Potential study variations	The use of other stimulators of pulmonary inflammation, such as LPS, ovalbumin and others, might be considered

Model 3: DSS-induced colitis

Assessment of anti-inflammatory efficacy of proprietary drug compounds in the DSS-induced colitis in vivo

Colitis inducer	Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)
Disease model	Ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Model type	Acute
Mouse strain	C57BL/6 (most commonly used, moderate susceptibility to DSS) BALB/c (less frequently used, less susceptible to DSS)
Duration	Acute (10 days) or custom study design
Routs of test item administration	Test items administered via oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, or intravenous infusion
Readouts	Clinical scores – observations on weight loss, stool consistency, and the presence of blood in the stool to compute the disease activity index (DAI) MPO (myeloperoxidase) activity – a marker for neutrophil infiltration into the inflamed colon tissue Cytokine analysis – measurement of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, haptoglobin, etc., using ELISA or qPCR in the colon tissue or serum FACS parameters – leukocyte infiltration in the colon tissue or mesenteric lymph nodes, T cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Th17, Tregs), activation markers, cytotoxicity markers (granzyme B, perforin) Histopathological score – examination of colon tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to evaluate the degree of inflammation, ulceration, and tissue damage
Reference compounds or combinations	Cyclosporine A (50-100 mg/kg), 5-ASA (2-5% in water supply)
Potential study variations	Custom modification of the study scheme and duration

Models being currently optimized. Not yet in offer.

Model 4: Lung fibrosis

Proof of concept studies for early drug development:

Therapeutic efficacy of proprietary compounds in pulmonary inflammation in vivo

Inflammation inducer	Bleomycin
Disease model	Pulmonary fibrosis
Model type	Acute
Mouse strain	C57BL/6
Duration	3 weeks
Routs of test item administration	Test items administered via oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, or intravenous infusion
Readouts	The in-life readouts include monitoring of the body weight loss and survival analysis. Collected biological samples can be assessed by histological analysis, hydroxyproline quantification, FACS (alveolar and pro-fibrotic macrophages, neutrophils, T cells, and other immune cell subsets), pro-inflammatory and profibrotic cytokine levels, gene expression analysis (fibrosis-related genes coding collagen, α-SMA and others)
Reference compounds or combinations	Nintedanib, pirfenidone, corticosteroids
Potential study variations	The study duration can vary depending on the specific research questions and objectives – shorter to study early inflammatory changes or extended to investigate established fibrosis and its resolution phase